An overflowing of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines, especially over what is normally dry land.
During heavy rain, the storm drains can become overwhelmed or plugged by debris and flood the roads and buildings nearby.
Loss of human life. Property and infrastructure damage. Road closures, erosion, and landslide risks. Crop destruction and livestock loss. Threats to salmon and other aquatic species. Health risks due to water contamination. Housing displacement. Economic impacts.
Inundation of the flood plains helps recharge the groundwater, which is an important source of drinking water and is essential for agriculture. They are an important source for restocking local man-made water sources such as ponds, reservoirs, dams and irrigation channels, meeting round-the-year demand.
