- Forests have a protective role, prevent floods swept back. As a result of the deforestation, every year, we have to witness flash floods like in Lao Cai, Lai Chau, etc., swept away houses and land, causing great damage to people and land. erode. For example, the Lai Chau floods in 2014 caused about 20 deaths, causing major damage to the economy, homes, etc đó nhá