Why can desertification lead to increased flooding in rivers and lakes?

Desertification contributes to increased flooding in rivers and lakes primarily through the process of rising sedimentation.1

As desertification degrades land, the loss of perennial plant cover and the reduction of biomass leave the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion. When rainfall occurs, this loose soil is easily washed into water systems. The resulting accumulation of sediment in rivers and lakes reduces their capacity to hold and transport water, which can cause water levels to rise more easily and lead to more frequent or severe flooding.1

Additionally, the loss of vegetation reduces the landscape's ability to absorb water, leading to more rapid surface runoff. This increased runoff can carry even more sediment into drainage systems, further exacerbating the cycle of sedimentation and flood risk.231