Question

Why are floods in urban areas particularly dangerous?

A.city buildings do not allow flood waters to recede B.pollutants and diseases are spread by flood waters more rapidly C.crop soils are permanently damaged D.most cities are built in flood zones

Answer 1

Urban floods are particularly dangerous due to the high density of population and infrastructure, rapid spread of pollutants and diseases, and the permanent impact on water supplies and public health. Coastal urban regions are also at increased risk from sea-level rise and storm surges exacerbated by climate change.

Step-by-step explanation:

Floods in urban areas are particularly dangerous for several reasons. First, the concentration of people and infrastructure creates a high potential for injury and property damage. More importantly, urban settings often struggle with the rapid spread of pollutants and diseases due to overwhelmed sewage systems, inadequate drainage, and the presence of industrial waste. In cities, the natural absorption of water is significantly reduced because of impermeable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. Consequently, water from floods can carry various contaminants, including untreated sewage and industrial chemicals into water supplies, endangering public health. Additionally, densely populated urban centers are sometimes located in low-lying coastal areas, exacerbating the risk of severe flooding from sea-level rise or storms.

The lack of proper urban planning for water management, both in terms of fresh water supply and sewage disposal, means that floods can have a lasting and permanent impact on an urban population's health and safety. This is further complicated by substandard living conditions which can already leave populations vulnerable to health issues, even before the onset of flooding. The danger is compounded by the potential displacement of populations and severe economic impacts if major urban centers are affected.

Climate change poses an additional long-term threat to urbanized coastal areas. The projections of rising sea levels and increased storm frequency imply that the regions most at risk are the ones with dense human populations and infrastructure. This highlights the urgency of addressing flood risks and improving urban infrastructure to mitigate the catastrophic effects of urban flooding.

Answer 2

In urban areas, there are more people, therefore not a lot of farmland. (that eliminates C) If city buildings don't allow flood waters to recede, that could be dangerous in many ways. (So A is still a reasonable answer) If most cities are built in flood zones, there should be some form of shelter if houses aren't safe. Pollutants and diseases being carried in water are already dangerous, but easier to spread with rapid flood waters that are sweeping everywhere. So your best answer would be either A or B.