Flood and Man: Created Cause, Suffered Consequence

                         Flood and Man: Created Cause, Suffered Consequence 

                                                                      By Anggun Dahlia And Elfi S.Pd.i, M.Pd

Flooding is a natural disaster that often occurs in various parts of the world, and its impact can be widely felt by the community. The data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Indonesia experiences more than 200 floods every year. Floods are one of the most common natural disasters and can have a huge impact on society. Imagine a city that is usually bustling and full of life, suddenly submerged in water in the blink of an eye. Houses that were once solid are now rubble, and streets filled with vehicles turn into rivers. What caused this disaster? And more importantly, what are the consequences?. In this essay, we will discuss the causes and impacts of flooding by putting forward some views from experts as well as relevant references, such as climate change, rapid urbanization, deforestation, all of which have a significant impact on society and the environment, such as public health, community economy, property damage.  

First, climate change is one of the main causes of flooding. According to Smith (2020), increasing global temperatures are causing extreme changes in rainfall patterns. This has resulted in more frequent and more severe flooding in various regions. Research conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also shows that climate change will continue to increase the frequency and intensity of flooding in the future (IPCC, 2021).  

Second, rapid urbanization also contributes to increased flood risk. Johnson (2019) explains that unplanned infrastructure development in urban areas can reduce the soil's ability to absorb rainwater. This causes rainwater to flow into inadequate drainage channels, increasing the risk of flooding. Research by Zhang et al. (2020) also shows that densely populated urban areas tend to experience flooding more frequently compared to rural areas.  

Third, deforestation is another factor that worsens the flood situation. According to research by Brown (2021), deforestation reduces the soil's ability to absorb water, thereby increasing the flow of water into rivers and drainage channels. This leads to more severe flooding, especially in areas that previously had dense forest cover. Research by Liu et al. (2022) also showed that deforestation contributes to increased flood risk in watersheds.  

On the other hand, the impact of floods on public health is significant. Davis (2021) notes that flooding can lead to the spread of diseases, such as cholera and dengue fever, due to contamination of clean water. In addition, floods can also cause psychological stress for people who have lost their homes and possessions. Research by the World Health Organization (WHO) (2020) shows that the health impacts of flooding can last long after the disaster occurs.  

Next, the economic impact of flooding cannot be ignored either. According to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) (2021), economic losses from floods can reach billions of dollars, depending on the scale and duration of the disaster. This has an impact on people's income, especially for those who depend on the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Research by Chen et al. (2023) also shows that flooding can hamper economic growth in affected areas.  

Last, research to a report from the World Bank (2021), property damage from floods can reach billions of dollars, and many families lose their homes. In addition, floods can also cause loss of life, especially in areas that are less prepared for disasters. This shows that the impact of flooding is not only physical, but also emotional for the affected communities.  

In conclusion, flooding is a complex phenomenon caused by multiple factors, including climate change, urbanization and deforestation. The impacts are not only felt in the form of economic losses, but also public health and the environment. Therefore, it is important for governments and communities to work together to mitigate and adapt to flood risks. By understanding the causes and impacts of flooding, we can take more effective measures to reduce the risks and minimize the losses.  

Source:

 ADB. (2021). Economic Impact of Floods in Asia. Asian Development Bank.