How does filling in a floodplain affect flood risks?

Filling in a floodplain fundamentally alters its natural characteristics and functions. When a floodplain is filled, it reduces the area available to absorb and retain floodwaters, thus decreasing its capacity to manage water during flood events. This reduction can lead to heightened flood risks because the floodplain is less equipped to hold back water, causing water to overflow its banks more easily and potentially exacerbate flooding in surrounding areas.

This process disrupts the floodplain's ability to act as a natural buffer, increasing the likelihood of flooding downstream, contrary to the idea that filling might stabilize or manage floodwaters. Therefore, understanding that filling decreases a floodplain's capacity is crucial in floodplain management and planning to mitigate flood hazards effectively.