Causes of Floods and Their Negative Impacts

5 Major Causes of Floods and How We Can Prevent Them

Floods often occur in various regions in Indonesia, causing various problems. But, what exactly causes flooding? Climate change and increased rainfall intensity, deforestation and land degradation, inadequate infrastructure development, blockage of waterways and drainage, tidal influence are some of the causes of flooding. In this article, we will discuss each of these topics in depth.

• Climate Change and Increased Rainfall Intensity

Extreme weather due to climate change has dramatically increased rainfall intensity. This often happens suddenly and in large amounts, leaving drainage systems unable to collect rainwater quickly, leading to flooding. For example, in some parts of Indonesia, annual rainfall has increased significantly in the last decade.

• Deforestation and Regional Degradation

River Flow Massive deforestation reduces the soil's ability to absorb water. As a result, the flow of water into rivers becomes faster and the volume of water increases, leading to flooding. In addition, watershed degradation also contributes to frequent flooding in many parts of Indonesia.

• Inadequate Infrastructure Development

In many cities, drainage systems and waterways are not designed to cope with large volumes of water. As a result, when it rains heavily, water cannot be channeled efficiently, causing inundation and flooding. This is a common problem in major cities in Indonesia.

• Blockage of Waterways and Drainage

Waste that accumulates in drains is the main cause of blockages that prevent water from flowing smoothly. This is often the case in urban areas where waste management systems have not been optimized.

• The Influence of Sea Tides

In coastal cities, tides affect flooding. During high tide, the sea level rises and can cause flooding, especially if it coincides with heavy rains.

Tackling flooding requires a comprehensive approach, from infrastructure improvements, to better waste management, to environmental conservation efforts.

5 Major Impacts of Floods on Life and Environment

Floods are not just high water levels, but also have far-reaching impacts on life and the environment. In Indonesia, floods occur frequently and cause a variety of serious problems. This article will review five major impacts of flooding that we need to be aware of and deal with wisely.

• Flood Property and Infrastructure Damage

often causes major damage to homes, buildings, roads and other infrastructure. Stagnant water can damage the foundations of buildings and cause long-term damage. Damage to infrastructure such as bridges and roads also disrupts daily activities and slows down post-flood recovery.

• Health Risks and Spread

Diseases Floodwater is often contaminated with sewage and hazardous chemicals. This can lead to the spread of diseases such as dengue fever, leptospirosis and diarrhea. Standing water is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes that can spread other diseases.

• Economic Impact

Floods cause significant economic losses to both individuals and governments. The cost of infrastructure repairs, emergency relief, and lost revenue due to business and agricultural disruptions all add to the economic burden."

• Education Disruption

Schools that were flooded had to be temporarily closed, disrupting the teaching and learning process. This has an impact on children's education, especially in areas that experience frequent flooding. Delays in the education process can have long-term effects on the younger generation.

• Environmental Damage

Flooding also negatively impacts the environment. Soil erosion, destruction of animal habitats, and damage to plants and trees are some examples. This can alter ecosystems and have long-term impacts on biodiversity.

• Reduced Agricultural Productivity

Flooding often has a major negative impact on the agricultural sector. Flooded agricultural land not only results in the loss of the current crop, but also damages soil quality. Excessive water accumulation can lead to soil erosion, loss of essential soil nutrients, and increased soil salinity, especially in coastal areas. This results in a long-term decline in agricultural productivity and threatens food security.

Social and Psychological Impacts

Floods not only impact the physical and economic aspects, but also put great psychological stress on the victims. The loss of homes, possessions, and sometimes family members, can cause long-term psychological trauma. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable. In addition, floods often lead to mass displacement which creates social instability. These issues require serious treatment, not only in the form of material assistance, but also psychological and social support.

Reforestation is the first and fundamental step in reducing flood risk. Forests play an important role in the hydrological cycle, absorbing rainwater and preventing excessive surface runoff. Forest replanting and protection programs should be a priority, especially in watersheds and hillsides.

• Good Drainage Infrastructure Development

An adequate and well-maintained drainage infrastructure can significantly reduce waterlogging. Drainage systems should be designed to consider the maximum volume of rainwater and should be regularly cleared of trash and sedimentation to maintain their effectiveness.

Dam and Reservoir Construction

Dams and reservoirs serve a dual purpose: providing water in the dry season and reducing water flow in the wet season. They also serve as a means of flood control by regulating the gradual release of water, reducing the risk of flooding in downstream areas.

Early Warning Technology Implementation

Advanced technologies such as radar systems, weather satellites, and computer models can be used to predict rainfall and potential flooding. An effective early warning system allows sufficient time for evacuation and preparation, saving lives and reducing losses.

Realignment of Slum and Vulnerable Areas

Flood Rehabilitation of slums and reorganization of flood-prone areas is essential. This includes building better infrastructure, providing safe housing for residents, and ensuring the availability of basic services such as sanitation and clean water.

Educating the Public on Flood Mitigation

Education is key in building community resilience to flooding. Communities should be taught about ways to deal with floods, including how to build flood-resistant homes, evacuation preparation, and resource management during floods.

Waste Management and Prevention of Blockage of Waterways

Efficient waste management is essential to prevent blockage of waterways. Campaigns on the importance of not littering should be promoted. Regular cleaning of drains also helps in preventing waterlogging.

Flood disaster mitigation requires coordinated efforts from various parties.

Through the implementation of these strategies, we can reduce the adverse impacts of flooding and protect our communities. With close cooperation between the government, communities and relevant agencies, we can create a safer and more resilient environment against the threat of flooding.

In the midst of this struggle, the need for clean water is crucial. Floods often disrupt clean water supplies, highlighting the importance of access to safe, potable water. To learn more about the importance of clean water and how much clean water a person needs per day, including 7 vital aspects of clean water needs, please read our next article: clean Water Needs per Person per Day: 7 Vital Aspects of Clean Water Use.