How did the people of Mohenjo Daro deal with floods?
The people of Mohenjo Daro, an ancient city located in present-day Pakistan, had developed sophisticated systems to deal with floods. To understand how they managed floods, we need to rely on archaeological excavations and research done on the ruins of the city.
The layout of Mohenjo Daro suggests that the city had well-planned drainage systems and flooded areas were intentionally created. The city was built on high mounds to minimize flood damage. The streets of the city were laid out in a grid pattern with a sophisticated system of drains and sewers. These drains were carefully designed to prevent flooding during heavy rains.
One notable feature found in the ruins of Mohenjo Daro is the presence of large brick-lined wells. It is believed that these wells played a crucial role in managing flooding. During the monsoon season, excess water from heavy rainfall would be diverted into these wells. These wells acted as reservoirs, allowing the city to store and control water levels during floods. The stored water could then be released gradually, helping to prevent widespread flooding.
Additionally, the houses in Mohenjo Daro were built using baked bricks and constructed on raised platforms to protect them from floodwaters. This elevated foundation kept the houses safe from flood damage.
Although our knowledge of how exactly the people of Mohenjo Daro dealt with floods is limited, the evidence suggests that a combination of well-designed drainage systems, reservoirs, and raised platforms helped them cope with the challenges posed by flooding in their city.