LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Floods: People
built 638 days ago
Floods are common and costly natural disasters. In the United States, the average annual cost of flood damage is more than $2 billion. Each year about 100 people lose their lives to floods.
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Floods across Africa are reported to be the worst in decades in some places and extend in an arc from Mauritania in the West to Kenya in the East. At least an estimated 1.5 million people are so far affected.
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Floods can damage and destroy property. They endanger the lives of people and animals. Flooding currents erode the flood plains and carry and deposit sediment downstream. The habitat of fish and other wildlife are often destroyed. The financial losses due to flooding amounts to millions of dollars every year. Many of the methods used for flood control have been practiced since ancient times including reforestation, and the construction of levees, dams and reservoirs, and flood channels to redirect floodwater.
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Floods have accompanied mankind throughout time. Damage and deaths have occurred. The environment and economy have played a large part in the impact of flooding. Increased density of population in areas prone to floods, urbanization, and "people’s marked changed way of life in respect to nature and natural resources" are some of the causes of flooding. (Hiadny and Buchtele)
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Floods have ravaged south and central Texas since the weekend, when as much as 2 feet of rain fell, and damage has been put at $400 million. So far, 22 people have died in their cars at flooded roads and crossings. Reuters, 10/23/98
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Floods kill an average of 74 people per year. Staying safe during a flood takes planning. Create a disaster pack to keep at home or to take along if you need to evacuate. Make sure you have everything you need before a flood.
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