Deforestation cause of flood
Deforestation is to be blamed for floods last Wednesday in Cameron Highlands that claimed at least three lives.
Last year, there was another flood at nearby Bertam Valley, also in the Highlands, that claimed four lives. Deforestation plays many roles in the flooding equation because trees prevent sediment runoff and forests hold more water than farms or grasslands.
The release of sediment due to deforestation has a bigger impact on floods. The eroded sediment will not only choke rivers but will also cause mudflow that is more destructive than normal flooding.
There will be some parties who will blame the El Nino effect or global warming. But deep down, they know that deforestation and illegal vegetable farmers are to be blamed.
Lionel Perera, The Star Malaysia
