WEEK
16 FINAL BLOG
1. Main natural hazards - Why they
happen and why you are addressing those as a priority. Floods
Floods are
the most common natural disaster in India. The heavy southwest monsoon rains
cause the Brahmaputra and other rivers to distend their banks, often flooding
surrounding areas. Which natural disaster is most frequent during the past 20 years
in India? According to the 2019 Global Climate Risk
Index report, floods account
for 52% of the total calamities
affecting India, claiming 63% of the
material damage and 32% of the human
losses reported as natural disasters. On an annual average, 7.500. 000 hectares
are flooded, and 1.600 lives are lost. (Jan 21, 2021) India experienced extreme
weather events on 85 out of 92 days. The events were spread across 33
states/UTs. Lightning and storms were
reported on 79 days, heatwaves on 28 days, followed by heavy rains, floods and
landslides on 16 days. (Nov 28, 2023)
Flood Prone Areas in India
India is a peninsular country surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. This geographical placement makes the country prone to floods
Since floods can cause
significant damages to life and property, individuals residing in flood-prone
areas need to be well-prepared. This includes preparing safety kits,
noting down the flood-prone zone and insuring the valuables.
2. Recommendations Disasters management in India
Causes of Floods
The major causes of floods in
India are discussed below:
1. Meteorological Factors: Heavy
rainfall; Tropical Cyclones; Cloud Burst.
2. Physical Factors: Large Catchment Area; Inadequate Drainage
Arrangement.
3. Human Factors: Deforestation; Siltation; Faulty Agricultural
Practices; Bursting of Dams; Accelerated Urbanization.
Flood Mitigation and
Control Measures Warning
With the
advancement of technology such as satellite and remote-sensing equipment, flood
waves can be tracked as the water level rises. Evacuation is possible with
suitable monitoring and warning. A warning is issued by the Central Water Commission
(CWC), Irrigation and Flood Control Department and Water Resources Department.
Mapping of the Flood Prone Areas: Flood hazard mapping will
give the proper indication of water flow during floods. Land use Control It
will reduce danger of life and property, when the waters inundate the flood
plains and the coastal areas. No major development should be permitted in the
areas which are subjected to high flooding.
Flood Control: It aims to reduce flood damage. This can be done by
decreasing the amount of run-off with the help of reforestation. Flood
diversion includes levees, embankments, dams and channel improvement. Dams can
store water and can release water at a manageable rate. But the failure of dams
in earthquakes and operation of releasing the water can cause floods in the
lower areas.
Flood Proofing: It reduces the risk of damage. Measures include use of sand bags to keep flood water away, blocking or sealing of doors and windows of houses, etc. Restoration of Original Drainage System Drainage system is generally choked by
the construction of roads, canals
railway tracks etc. Floods could be checked if the original form of drainage
system is restored.
3. Where would you target
help first? Himachal Pradesh has been the hardest-hit Indian state, with flash
floods and landslides causing widespread devastation.
Why is there so much flood in Himachal? According to renowned geologist Professor ON Bhargwa, the disaster in Himachal is more human-made than natural. He argues that concrete structures on river banks obstruct natural seepage processes, leading to flooding and altering river courses.Aug 18, 2023 River Beas, for instance, changed its course during recent floods in several places in the Kullu and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh. Professor Bhargwa also blames unscientific road widening and debris dumping into rivers for exacerbating the disaster. He notes that the Himalayan Rivers, which used to flood only when snow melted, have become unpredictable due to road and hydropower project construction. The temperature in the Hindu Kush Himalayas is rising, according to estimates from the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, causing shrinking snowlines and retreating glaciers.
The estimated damage to public infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh stands at Rs 7,000 crore.
Over 1,400 roads are affected, along with hundreds of drinking water schemes and
power supply lines. Road blockages have led to shortages of essential items, including
fuel, vegetables, milk, and bread in many areas of the state. An estimated 950 roads,
including the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, have been blocked by landslides,
disrupting state transport buses on approximately 2,100 routes and leaving locals stranded. In the wake of relentless rains and landslides that have claimed 328 lives during the monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh, a report by India Today has raised concerns about the potential for further disaster. The torrential downpours have increased groundwater levels, turning the soil beneath human settlements into mud, which could trigger additional landslides, experts say.
State government
data reveals that Himachal Pradesh has already experienced 180 incidents of
landslides and flash floods. The surge in rainfall, recorded at 157 per cent,
is primarily responsible for these disasters. The Himalayan Mountains, their
soil, and trees have been unable to absorb the excess water, leading to
landslides and soil erosion.
4. Where would you construct your house?
The City of Bangalore
If I had a choice to build a home where it
was mostly safe from most natural hazards it would have to be in the city of
Bangalore in India, the city of Bangalore is often considered one of the safest
from natural disasters. It is located in a region with relatively low risk of
earthquakes, cyclones, and other major natural calamities. However, it's
important to note that no place is completely immune to natural disasters, and
preparedness is always important.
Bangalore's
lakes play a crucial role in flood mitigation. Bellandur Lake, one of
the biggest lakes, receives drainage from three other upstream lakes and
discharges its excess water into Varthur Lake, which ultimately drains the
city's excess waters towards Tamil Nadu into the Pinakini river basin.Oct 13, 2022
5. Sources / References
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/himachal-pradesh-torrential-rains-disaster-reasons-2422622-2023-08-18
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/himachal-pradesh-torrential-rains-disaster-reasons-2422622-2023-08-18
ResearchGate
https://nidm.gov.in › err › pdf › country_profile
Which Indian city is the safest from natural disasters? -
Quora
quora.com https://www.quora.com › Which-Indian-city-is-the-safest.
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