Hindu Editorial Analysis : 13-July-2023
In recent times, parts of North India have experienced devastating flash floods resulting from heavy rainfall, causing significant destruction. This essay explores the nature of flash floods, analyzes the causes of recent incidents in Northern India, examines the changing trends of rainfall, and suggests effective strategies for flood mitigation.
Understanding Flash Floods
Flash floods are localized events of short duration with high peak rainfall, usually occurring within six hours of intense precipitation. Unlike river floods, flash floods have a rapid onset and affect small geographic areas. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to impervious surfaces that prevent rainwater from being absorbed into the ground.
Causes of Recent Flash Floods in Northern India
- Monsoon Activity: Active monsoons bring moisture from the Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea, contributing to heavy rainfall in the region.
- Atmospheric Forcing: Upper-level atmospheric outflows and mid-latitude troughs can direct moisture towards the Himalayan region, intensifying rainfall.
- Orographic Uplift: The steep terrain of the Himalayas combined with orographic uplift triggers deep convection, leading to heavy rainfall and subsequent flash floods.
Changing Trends of Rainfall
- Extreme Rainfall: Central India has experienced a significant increase in extreme rainfall events, with triple the number of instances where rainfall exceeds 15 cm within 24 hours.
- Duration of Rainstorms: Rainstorms over central India have tripled in duration. While the total number of rainy days and hours during the monsoon season has decreased, the intensity of rainfall has risen substantially.
- Rainfall in the Himalayan Region: The complex topography and diverse weather patterns in the Himalayas make it prone to extreme rainfall. Studies indicate a positive trend in the frequency of daily rainfall extremes in 65 percent of the region.
Causes of Changing Trends of Rainfall
- Climate Change: Increasing instances of deep convection can be attributed to climate change. Warmer temperatures lead to enhanced evaporation, increasing atmospheric moisture and resulting in heavier rainfall events.
- Changes in Land Use and Land Cover: Alterations in land use and land cover contribute to the intensification of monsoon rainfall. Urbanization and deforestation disrupt natural drainage systems, exacerbating flood risks.
- Warming Arctic: The warming Arctic and receding sea ice have implications for the monsoon climate. Observations and models suggest that Arctic warming increases the likelihood of blocking highs and deep mid-latitude troughs, influencing weather patterns and contributing to heavy rainfall.
Mitigating Floods
To effectively mitigate floods during the monsoon season, a comprehensive approach is required, encompassing proactive and reactive strategies:
- Robust Early Warning System: Implementing an early warning system using meteorological observations, Doppler weather radar, and high-resolution numerical weather prediction models to alert communities about heavy rainfall and flash flood risks.
- Continuous Monitoring: Monitoring rainfall patterns, river levels, and employing an advanced flood warning system to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.
- Flood Risk Mapping: Utilizing topography, historical flood data, and hydrological modeling to develop flood risk maps, identify vulnerable areas, and inform targeted actions.
- Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Improving and maintaining drainage systems, channels, and other infrastructure to reduce waterlogging and ensure climate resilience.
- Land Use Planning: Implementing effective land use planning and zoning regulations, designating flash flood-prone areas as non-residential or restricted zones.
- Protection and Restoration of Natural Ecosystems: Preserving and restoring natural ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands, which act as natural buffers by absorbing rainfall and reducing runoff.
- Awareness Campaigns: Conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public on appropriate actions during floods, including evacuation procedures, first aid, and reliable sources of information.
Why In News
Recently, North India experienced torrential downpours, leading to devastating flash floods that wreaked havoc and left a path of destruction in their wake. The states of Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh bore witness to unprecedented rainfall, shattering previous records and exacerbating the calamity. In addition to the flash floods, the relentless showers triggered dangerous landslides, compounding the destruction and intensifying the magnitude of the disaster.
MCQs about Flash Floods in Northern India
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What are the main factors that trigger flash floods in Northern India?
A. Active monsoons, atmospheric outflows, and orographic uplift
B. Cyclones, low-pressure systems, and coastal erosion
C. Tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and seismic activity
D. Droughts, heatwaves, and desertification
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What is one of the significant impacts of climate change on rainfall patterns in India?
A. Decreased intensity of monsoon rainfall
B. Reduction in the number of extreme rainfall events
C. More frequent occurrence of droughts
D. Increase in the duration and intensity of rainstorms
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What is a recommended strategy for mitigating flash floods in India?
A. Building more dams and reservoirs
B. Expanding urban areas and paving more surfaces
C. Implementing a robust early warning system
D. Removing natural vegetation and forests
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How can natural ecosystems such as forests and wetlands contribute to flood mitigation?
A. By increasing surface runoff and exacerbating flooding
B. By acting as barriers and preventing rainfall from reaching the ground
C. By reducing evaporation and decreasing rainfall intensity
D. By absorbing rainfall and reducing runoff
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