Floods are something anyone would instantly try to avoid. They are known to destroy buildings, wipe out food crops, and also kill people by drowning, starvation, or disease. They have a massive impact on the environment, the people affected, and the area's economy, but they can also be put to an advantage. Floods can reach the point where they are so destructive that they rip through the area and destroy drainage systems, which spill sewage out into bodies of water. Also, when floods are strong enough to damage or tear apart buildings, toxic materials like paint and gasoline are released into the waters, putting the lives of several maritime creatures at risk. Heavy rainfall also causes soil erosion on the coasts, as the pressure of water strips off the top layer of soil, which is vital for plantation. On the other hand, floods can spread sediment containing beneficial nutrients to this topsoil which will improve the soil quality. When floods are strong enough to tear apart buildings, a lot of businesses are lost, people are left homeless, and several humans may have lost their lives. Several people were killed and many were injured during the past few floods in Australia (see Major Floods page). Floods don't just harm the land and the people living in the area, but also greatly affects the economy. The damage caused by floods usually costs about several millions, and may even reach a billion. So, if floods cause so much havoc, why would people want to live there in the first place? Well, the land would most likely be flat, and the soil would be fertile. Also, a good water supply, like a stream or river, would be nearby. People have been trying to control flooding by making the water sources deeper or larger to contain more water. This method works, but it has a negative impact for the animals and plants that inhabit that water source. |   |
