Flood or Droughts Flashcards
What is a Drought?
A period where there is insufficient rainfall to sustain plant growth.
What is a Flood?
A flood happens when water is unable to permeate the soil or rises above its surface, resulting in overflowing river valleys with blocked roads and flooded buildings.
Social and Economic Impact of Drought and Flooding
IMPACTS
-Scarcity of water will reduce the cultivable area which affects a reduction in agricultural workers and disrupts planting and harvesting activities.
-Droughts cause poor sanitation, malnutrition and food contamination.
-People can be swept away and drowned by floodwaters.
Buildings can be ruined or destroyed.
-Flooding can cause health issues where drinking water can be contaminated and can carry diseases transmitted by mosquitoes which can easily spread in areas of dirty or stagnant water.
RESPONSES
-To combat flooding, trees are planted, and surfaces are made more permeable.
-Public Education about the dangers of illegal dumping and of squatting which can increase the magnitude of floods. And just in general, about floods and droughts.
- Persons can also be educated about how to reduce mosquito breeding and how to protect themselves from being bitten, and moreover, educated about flood threats and where to seek emergency shelter where they can evacuate.
