In the article from Science Daily, “Natural Engineering Offers Solution against Future Flooding” by Newcastle University (2014), it was stated that “back-to-nature flood schemes”, which utilise the environment’s natural capabilities, can be an economical alternative to preventing and mitigating floods. Dr Mark Wilkinson, the research lead, also mentioned that winter rainfall and flooding occurrence would escalate in the future.
It was reported that several strategies of river-flow management have been exhibited in Belford, Northumberland, which illustrated the reduction of surface run-off and soil mineral depletion.
The article said that the Natural Flood Management (NFM) aspires to scale down the maximum water height or delay the arrival of the flood, adding more preparation time for response. This would be done by hampering the progress of water while working sustainably in tandem with the environment. Strategies include and storing, slowing and redirecting water and increasing soil infiltration. This proved to be much cheaper (~£200,000) in the Belford Scheme instead of a “full conventional flood-defence scheme” (~£2.5m). Mirroring Belford’s flooding situation, many other rural towns can also benefit from the NFM.
Overall, it was stated that the scheme was a triumph due to the backing and approval of the community, together with the comprehension of the “land and local environment”.
In my opinion, Science daily published Dr Mark Wilkinson research is purely in theory and is not proven yet are extremely risky and not practical. Giving the green light to go ahead will caused catastrophic tragic.
Results in
- Bankrupt businesses – Business will be forced to closed, employees will be out of job.
- Diseases – Dead body of human and animal, can caused diseases to spread if the body is left unattended.
- Shortage of daily need – Damage to infrastructure also causes long-term impacts, such as disruptions to supplies of clean water, wastewater treatment, electricity, transport, communication, education and health care.
- loss of human life – Loss of loved ones will have great impact on them, especially on children.
- Loss of livelihoods – Reduction in purchasing power and loss of land value in the floodplains can leave communities economically vulnerable.
Reference from
https://www.chiefscientist.qld.gov.au/publications/understanding-floods/flood-consequences/