Flooding in residential areas is among the major problems of the government today. Due to certain factors, this issue happens every year. The possibility of this happening worldwide is common and expected, as this subject usually appears in the news. Covering every possible reason for residential flooding can be a worthwhile discussion since this happens a lot.
Understanding what causes urban flooding helps people prepare and be knowledgeable about what to expect when a flood seems likely to occur. So let’s talk about the contributing factors of flooding in residential areas to help you be proactive.
What causes flooding in residential areas?
Flooding happens around the globe for several reasons, but why does it occur? Most of the time, human activities are blamed for it. However, natural factors are often the culprits on many occasions. But be it a human activity or natural factor, flooding can cause disastrous situations and even claim the lives of many individuals in the worst-case scenario. So to help mitigate the casualties of urban flooding, here are five factors you should keep an eye out for.
1. Climate change
Climatic changes caused by uncontrolled human activities are major contributors to urban flooding in many regions. Humans cut trees in large numbers, significantly affecting the process of photosynthesis. This is responsible for the increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, causing climate change and posing threats of natural disasters like storms, floods, droughts, heat waves, and wildfires.
2. Heavy rainfall
Heavy rains are the simplest cause of flooding. Homes have infrastructure design and drainage systems that help during heavy rains. However, these systems stop working when it rains heavily for extended periods. This causes drainage systems to back up and water to rise, primarily in populated residential areas. Heavy rains are accountable for most residential flooding and water-damaged homes.
Water damage caused by rains can have devastating effects on homes and establishments, which explains why many people employ companies that offer water damage restoration in Montgomery, AL, during rainy seasons.
3. Collapsed dams
Dams hold water upstream. So if the dams collapse, these will discharge water downstream, resulting in floods. Additionally, collapsing dams can cause massive casualties and significant water damage to houses located in low-lying areas. The excess moisture from the flood can cause mold infestations in homes. These molds should be eliminated by qualified mold specialists as removing them the DIY way comes with various health risks.
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4. Overflowing rivers
You don’t need to experience heavy rains all the time for floods to develop. Areas near the rivers or streams are prone to flooding during an overflow or continuous rainfall. People who live in these locations often employ property restoration professionals after the flood due to the damage caused by the disaster.
Some large rivers have a series of dams to control the large amounts of water during flooding, and this is often handled by government authorities. However, sometimes the authorities have to make tough decisions on operating dams. They can prevent flooding and control water, but not all the time.
5. Deforestation
The reckless cutting of trees, or deforestation, is a significant cause of man-made floods. Trees prevent the loss of crops and soil erosion. The presence of many trees improves the vegetation and helps obstruct the massive rains, which prevents flooding.
