North India has been experiencing excessive rainfall, leading to floods and landslides in regions from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Himachal Pradesh to Delhi. Experts attribute this phenomenon to a combination of meteorological factors and, critically, human actions that have increased the vulnerability of these regions to extreme weather events.
One of the primary reasons for the increased rainfall is the interaction between Western Disturbances and monsoon currents. Western Disturbances are weather systems originating in the Mediterranean region that bring cooler air and added moisture as they move eastward over northern India. The monsoon trough, a low-pressure belt close to the Himalayan foothills, draws in moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. When these two systems meet, it enhances vertical air movement, leading to cloud formation and heavy precipitation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has noted that North India has recorded its wettest monsoon since 2013, with rainfall 21% above normal. Furthermore, the region has experienced a 50% increase in extremely heavy rain events compared to the previous year. This August has seen a high number of 'extremely heavy' rainfall events, categorized by the IMD as over 204.5mm in 24 hours. A trough in eastern Pakistan has also contributed to increased rainfall in the region.
While the meteorological conditions explain the increased precipitation, experts emphasize that human activities have significantly worsened the impact. Illegal encroachment and construction on riverbeds and floodplains have been identified as major factors contributing to the devastation. This rampant construction obstructs the natural flow of rivers, reducing the Himalayan ecosystem's resilience. Natural water channels are being filled for roads, exacerbating the destruction when heavy rainfall occurs. This flawed development model has led to a situation where even normal rainfall can cause significant damage.
Rising temperatures are also linked to changing rainfall patterns. Increased evaporation from the mountains and surface water contributes to more moisture in the atmosphere, resulting in heavy rainfall over short periods. Urbanization, deforestation, and poor water management further intensify the impact of floods.
The consequences of the excessive rainfall have been severe. Landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts have wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. Thousands of pilgrims and residents have been stranded, and critical infrastructure, including bridges and roads, has been severely damaged. Rivers in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, and Jammu are flowing above the danger lines, leading to flood-like conditions in several districts.
In response to the situation, district administrations have been working to move people from low-lying areas and monitor water releases from major reservoirs. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been involved in rescue operations, evacuating stranded individuals. However, experts stress that long-term solutions require addressing the underlying issues of unplanned development, encroachment, and weak infrastructure. Strengthening early warning systems, restoring floodplains, and adopting sustainable planning practices are crucial steps to mitigate the devastating effects of floods in the region.
