Question

Explain, giving any two reasons, why the deltas of the river Mahanadi suffer from occasional floods. 

Answer 1

1. Large-scale Silting and Changing River Courses: Continuous silt deposition in the Mahanadi delta causes the river channels to become shallow and change course, leading to overflow and floods.
2. Deforestation in Catchment Areas: Indiscriminate felling of trees in the river’s catchment area reduces the land’s ability to absorb rainwater, increasing surface runoff and worsening flood conditions.
3. High Tide During Floods: When high tides coincide with river floods, it prevents river water from draining into the sea, further aggravating flood situations in the delta.