Flooding is a part of the natural cycle of the seasons. New land and mineral deposits help vegetation grow and prevent erosion. In some areas, flooding allows for animals to migrate, breed, or hunt. Flooding is also culturally significant, signaling the changing of a seasons, which can help determine where crops are in their life cycle.
However, with increases in population and the rise of urbanization, floods have become a dangerous and disastrous event, having lasting consequences on both the wildlife and human populations. Chemicals and other harmful substances leak into flood waters. Deforestation has led to increased erosion. And with floods becoming more common with urban sprawl, it’s important to know the consequences flooding has on the environment.
Environmental Consequence on Wildlife
Flooding can disrupt ancient natural patterns. Rises in river waters can displace habitats near or on riverbanks. Flooded coasts can force fish breeding grounds to be too far inland, resulting in lower fish populations and scarcening food for animals and humans. Additionally, increased sediment deposits and chemical pollution can decrease quality of aquatic habitats, which can lead to a ripple effect in agricultural industries.
Environmental Consequences on Humans
It’s not just wildlife that is affected by the environmental consequences of flooding. Flood waters can be contaminated with diseases, chemicals, or other harmful pollutants. Degraded quality of drinking water can have devastating effects on towns and cities. Crop damage from flooding can drastically affect food supply and market value prices. Also, debris from ruined homes and businesses can cause further damage to infrastructure further in and down river.
While natural disasters are inevitable, there are some things people can do to help. Planting trees and shrubbery can help prevent erosion and provide alternate habitats for displaced wildlife. Volunteering for river clean ups can remove trash that can clog waterways and exacerbate flooding, as well as keep it from being deposited deeper into natural habitats and spreading pollution.
Lastly, avoiding flooding in your home can prevent harmful materials from leaking into waterways. DriBot helps protect your home from flooding with its Triplex Pump System, Remote Notifications, and optional Leak Detection. Learn more here.
