What is the importance of wetlands in flood prevention?

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What is the importance of wetlands in flood prevention?

Wetlands play a crucial role in flood prevention due to their ability to absorb and store excess water. The vegetation and soil in wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing rainfall and reducing the speed and volume of water flow during heavy rain events. This helps to prevent or minimize flooding in surrounding areas by slowing down the movement of water and allowing it to gradually infiltrate into the ground. Additionally, wetlands can act as buffers, absorbing and dissipating the energy of floodwaters, further reducing the risk of flooding.