Recent heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh has caused severe landslides, flash floods, and swollen rivers. Multiple districts including Dehradun have witnessed destruction and loss of life. At least 15 fatalities have been reported due to landslides. Such extreme weather events have increased in frequency and intensity, raising concerns over disaster management and climate impact in the Himalayan region.
Monsoon Activity and Rainfall Patterns
The monsoon this season has been unusually active in northwestern India. Successive low-pressure systems from the Bay of Bengal moved farther north than usual. This caused intense rainfall, with the region recording 34% surplus rainfall in August and over 30% surplus for the season. Early September saw rainfall 67% above normal. This excess rainfall is linked to shifting weather patterns and has stressed the fragile Himalayan environment.
Why Hilly Regions Receive More Rainfall
Mountainous areas encourage rapid uplift of moist air. This leads to formation of large, tall rain clouds producing heavy local precipitation. For example, Udhampur recorded 630 mm rainfall in 24 hours, equivalent to a year’s rain in some plains areas. Leh in Ladakh saw record rainfall after decades. Such intense rainfall is typical in the Himalayas but can be disastrous due to terrain vulnerability.
Vulnerability of Mountainous Terrain
Unlike plains, mountain slopes cannot easily drain heavy rainwater. Water carries mud, soil, and debris downhill causing landslides and mudslides. Flash floods occur when river channels overflow or get blocked by debris. These events damage infrastructure like roads and bridges and threaten settlements. The recent incidents in Mandi, Kullu, and Jammu show these risks.
Conditions Leading to Disasters
Not all heavy rainfall causes disasters. Landslide risk depends on slope stability and soil condition. If rain falls on stable slopes or debris does not block rivers, damage is limited. Disaster outcomes depend on multiple factors including rainfall intensity, terrain, and human settlement patterns.
Impact of Climate Change on Rainfall
Climate change is altering weather systems affecting the Himalayas. Western disturbances, which usually bring winter rain and snow, are shifting southwards. Their interaction with the southwest monsoon complicates rainfall patterns. Global warming drives these changes and increases extreme rainfall events. Arctic ice melt may also influence monsoon variability. Experts warn of more frequent heavy rains and longer dry spells in future.
Disaster Preparedness Challenges
The rise in extreme weather events demands improved forecasting and disaster response. Early warning systems, slope stabilization, and river management are critical. Community awareness and infrastructure resilience must be enhanced to reduce loss of life and property.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking example of the Himalayan region, discuss the impact of climate change on monsoon variability and disaster frequency.
- Examine the causes and consequences of landslides in mountainous regions and suggest mitigation measures.
- Analyse the role of western disturbances in India’s weather patterns. How does their shifting trajectory affect northern India’s climate?
- Discuss in the light of recent extreme rainfall events, the challenges and strategies for disaster management in hilly terrains.
