How do dams and levees impact communities' flood resilience strategies?

 Dams and levees can impact a community's flood resilience strategy in a number of ways:

Flood Control: Dams and levees are often built to control and reduce the impact of floods on communities. They can provide protection against riverine floods, flash floods, and storm surges.

Water storage: Dams can also be used to store water during dry periods, which can help to protect against drought and reduce the impact of water shortages on communities.

Hydropower: Many dams are also used to generate electricity, which can provide a source of power for communities during and after floods.

Navigation: Dams can also be used to improve navigation on waterways, which can help to support economic activity and reduce the impact of floods on transportation and commerce.

Risk of failure: However, dams and levees can also create new risks for communities. They can fail during severe floods or earthquakes, leading to extensive damage and loss of life.

Reliance on engineering solutions: Communities may become over-reliant on the protection provided by dams and levees and neglect other important flood resilience strategies such as planning for evacuation, emergency response, and recovery.

Environmental impact: Dams and levees can also have negative impacts on the environment, such as altering the flow of rivers, impacting fish migration, and altering natural wetlands.

To ensure that dams and levees are an effective component of a community's flood resilience strategy, it is important to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of these structures and to integrate them with other flood resilience strategies such as zoning, land-use planning, and emergency response