Samadhee Kaluarachchi – The Conversation

Flooding on British Columbia’s Highway 11 in November 2021. (B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit/flickr)

April 8, 2026

New research shows how forests can prevent floods of all sizes

Samadhee Kaluarachchi, University of British Columbia and Younes Alila, University of British Columbia

Large floods happen naturally, however, adding or removing forests can change not only their sizes but also how often they occur.

Flooded farmland in Abbotsford, B.C. In November 2021, floodwaters inundated parts of B.C.’s Lower Mainland, damaging properties and roads, and cutting off Vancouver from the rest of Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

December 3, 2025

Governments need to prepare for more frequent large floods

Samadhee Kaluarachchi, University of British Columbia and Younes Alila, University of British Columbia

Governments and experts need to consider both the frequency and size of floods to better prepare for future ones.

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