Flood occurs when water overflows or soaks land that is normally dry. It is a common natural disaster and it can affect many places. The frequency and severity of flooding events can vary depending on a range of factors. These include geology (non-porous rocks that prevent seepage), terrain, and land uses such as agriculture. Climate change is also a major factor in increasing the intensity and frequency of floods around the world. Warmer ocean temperatures enable more moisture to be drawn up into storms, resulting in heavier rainfall and more frequent flooding.
Floods can cause significant damage to homes and infrastructure, and interrupt essential services such as transport and energy. Communities that rely on these services, such as those living in poverty and the most vulnerable, are often at highest risk during and after floods.
In addition to the direct physical impacts of floods, they can lead to social and mental health issues. For example, people who have to leave their homes can feel isolated and lose access to essential services, affecting their well-being. The loss of possessions can also be a major source of stress.
Floods can also have negative effects on wildlife, causing drowning and disease proliferation. In 2012, for instance, the floods in India’s Kaziranga National Park killed hundreds of rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) and disrupted their habitat. They also contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and typhoid fever, which are carried by mosquitoes.