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What Causes Deforestation in a Flood?

A flood is an overflowing of water onto land not usually occupied by it. Flooding is generally caused by the overflowing of existing bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes or oceans, or by the breaking of dams or levees. Floods can also be caused by such meteorological occurrences as monsoons, hurricanes and cyclones. Floods can lead to great loss of life and can devastate natural habitats.

Deforestation
- Deforestation is the removal of all or part of a forest so the land can be used for other purposes --- for example, as pasture for animals or urban use. Deforestation contributes to global warming, as well as causing soil erosion and the extinction of certain species.
Deforestation and Flooding
- Deforestation causes a lack of soil cohesion and, because tree roots absorb water from the soil and allow it to absorb more water, it creates an ideal environment for flooding. A flat, treeless surface is perfect for flash floods. It is believed that deforestation contributed to the severity and loss of life of the 2010 Pakistan floods as well as the Yangtze flood of 1998.
Reducing Deforestation
- The United Nations and the World Bank have both started programs aimed at reducing the world's deforestation by persuading developing countries to attempt different methods of farming. There are also many programs aimed at reforestation, such as the Eden Project.

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