Scientists continue to study lowland areas. People have gradually filled in wetlands to create land for roads, houses, and cities. About 200,000 to 400,000 acres of wetlands are lost in the United States each year, but the bottomlands, bogs, marshes, and swamps are very valuable in preventing and controlling floods. The wetlands act like giant sponges that soak up huge amounts of water and let it run off slowly. When these areas are filled in and built over, floods are more likely to occur.
In China, where most flooding occurs when the Yellow or Yangtze River overflows, people has tried to maintain control by building higher levees, dredging, digging channels, and building dams. The work has paid off, for progress in the last 50 years seems to have stopped serious flooding from the Yellow River. However, the river, like a sleeping dragon, may still overflow and cause much destruction.
Experts are also warning people not to build in high flood risk areas. However, many people continue to live next to the coast, by rivers and streams, or in the middle of wetlands.
Ultimately, people cannot control nature. Tropical storms, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and melting snow will caused floods. People with homes in low-lying places, by rivers, or in coastal regions are in danger of being wiped out by floods. In the past, these disasters have caused millions of dollars’ worth in damage. They have taken numerous lives. To survive, keep your cool and prepare yourself with the supplies and knowledge necessary for survival.
Forces of Nature: ThinkQuest 2000 (Team #C003603)
http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/flooding/prevention.shtml
Today, there are many ways to help prevent and control floods. Flood-control dams have been constructed throughout history across rivers. Dikes and levees are built alongside rivers to keep them from overflowing during periods of high water. Canals are also used to help drain off extra water. Streams and rivers can be diverted to avoid highly populated areas. Regulation of floodplain development and urbanization would reduce flood losses. Prevention of soil erosion also helps control flooding, which is why it’s a good idea to plant lots of trees, treat slopes and grads, and create reservoirs to catch sediment and debris.