Data lakes play a crucial role in modern data handling by providing a centralized repository for storing large volumes of structuredunstructured data. They accommodate vast data types, including raw and processed information, allowing organizations to store data in its native format. This flexibility fosters advanced data analytics, machine learning, and data exploration, facilitating timely insights and better decision-making. Data lakes also enable organizations to overcome data silos, enhance collaboration among teams, and support a more data-driven culture within the organization.