Many areas of South Asia are prone to flooding during the monsoon season. Building homes on stilts elevates them above the flood water, protecting the homes and their contents from damage.
2. Protection from insects and animals:
Placing homes on stilts helps to keep insects and animals out. This can be especially important for areas where insects are known to carry diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. Stilts also make it more difficult for animals like snakes to enter homes.
3. Airflow and cooling:
Elevating homes on stilts allows for better airflow, which helps keep the homes cooler in hot climates. This can be especially important in tropical regions where temperatures can be extremely high.
4. Storage space:
The space beneath stilted homes can be used for storage. This can be a valuable space in areas where houses are small and storage space is limited.
5. Cultural reasons:
In some cultures, building houses on stilts is a traditional practice that has been passed down through generations. In some cases, there may also be religious or spiritual reasons for building homes on stilts.
