What are the negative human impacts on flooding?

Human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and poor land management significantly contribute to increased flooding. Urban development often involves paving over natural landscapes, which reduces the land's ability to absorb rainwater, leading to greater runoff and higher flood risks. Additionally, deforestation removes trees that would otherwise help absorb rainfall and stabilize soil, exacerbating erosion and flooding. Poorly planned drainage systems can also fail to manage stormwater effectively, increasing the likelihood and severity of flood events.