Rain-related incidents have claimed many lives since the onset of monsoon on June 27 till August 1 and the state has also suffered losses to the tune of Rs 655 crore, according to the center. Rescue operations in Himachal Pradesh intensified on Friday as authorities worked to locate over 45 missing individuals following devastating flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in the districts of Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. The death toll has risen to eight, with recent reports confirming the recovery of three additional bodies from the affected areas, including Nirmand, Sainj, Malana, Padhar, and Rampur. The HP and UK cloudburst problem has become an incessant pain for these states as they have to spend billions of dollars first in the development of the state, and then re-developing them after such incidents.
During the distressed times of HP and UK cloudburst, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, accompanied by Education Minister Rohit Thakur, visited the border area of Samej between Shimla and Kullu to assess the situation and interact with the affected residents. Their visit aimed to coordinate relief efforts and ensure that necessary resources are being deployed.
In Uttarakhand, the Congress party has postponed its Kedarnath Dham Pratishtha Raksha Yatra due to the severe weather conditions and resulting havoc in the Kedarnath valley. The yatra, which began on July 24 from Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, was initially scheduled to conclude on August 3 at the Kedarnath temple. However, PCC President Karan Mahara decided to halt the pilgrimage in Sitapur, Rudraprayag district, in light of the ongoing disaster. Mahara noted that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed his concern over the situation and urged for the postponement of the yatra until conditions stabilize.
What Is a Cloudburst and Why Do we see so many HP and UK Cloudbursts?
A cloudburst is an extreme meteorological event characterized by an intense, sudden downpour over a small geographical area. Typically occurring over mountainous regions, these events can dump a massive volume of rain in a very short period, often leading to severe flooding and landslides. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cloudburst is defined as a rainfall of 100 mm or more in an hour over a small area, approximately 20 to 30 square kilometers.
Formation and Mechanism
Cloudbursts usually occur due to a phenomenon called orographic lift. This happens when warm, moist air is forced upward by the terrain, such as mountains. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, forming dense cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds can grow up to 12-15 kilometers in height and contain enormous amounts of water. When the water droplets within the cloud coalesce and become too heavy, they fall rapidly, leading to a sudden and intense rainfall. This process is often exacerbated by strong updrafts of warm air that prevent the raindrops from falling, causing them to accumulate until they are released in a burst.
Impact and Occurrence
The impact of a cloudburst can be catastrophic, particularly in mountainous regions where the topography accelerates water flow, causing flash floods and landslides. The sudden influx of water can lead to the destruction of infrastructure, loss of life, and significant property damage. For instance, the devastating cloudburst in 2013 in Uttarakhand led to massive floods and landslides, resulting in at least 5,400 fatalities and widespread destruction. The occurrence of cloudbursts is often linked to specific atmospheric conditions, including the presence of cumulonimbus clouds and orographic lifting.
Increasing Frequency and Climate Change
The frequency of HP and UK cloudburst has been increasing, particularly in the Himalayan region, which is attributed to climate change. Global warming has intensified the monsoon, leading to more frequent and severe weather events. The rising temperatures result in higher evaporation rates, contributing to the formation of dense clouds capable of triggering cloudbursts. Experts warn that the increasing frequency of such events poses a growing risk, especially in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas, where the consequences can be particularly severe.
In conclusion, while cloudbursts are natural phenomena, their frequency and severity may be exacerbated by human-induced climate change. Understanding the mechanisms behind cloudbursts and improving predictive technologies, such as doppler radars, can help mitigate their devastating impacts. However, the inherent unpredictability and intensity of these events pose significant challenges to disaster management effort
Latest Updates on the Situation in Himachal and Uttarakhand
As rescue operations continue, the situation remains dire. In Himachal Pradesh, at least eight people have lost their lives, and over 50 individuals are reported missing. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local authorities are on the ground, attempting to reach the affected areas despite challenging conditions. In Shimla, a cloudburst near the Samej Khad hydroelectric power project left 20 people missing. In Mandi, the deputy commissioner ordered the closure of all educational institutions due to road blockages and landslides. In Uttarakhand, the cloudburst in Tehri Garhwal resulted in the deaths of Bhanu Prasad (50) and Anita Devi (45), with several others injured.
Updated Speculated Number of Deaths and Missing People
The recent HP and UK cloudburst have led to a tragic increase in casualties. As of the latest reports, the death toll in Himachal Pradesh has risen to 72, with 13 individuals still missing. The state has been grappling with heavy rains, which triggered landslides in areas such as Summer Hill, Fagli, and Krishna Nagar in Shimla. The state emergency operation center has noted that since the onset of the monsoon on June 24, a total of 214 people have died in rain-related incidents
In Uttarakhand, the situation remains critical with the death toll climbing to 10. The most recent casualties were caused by a landslide in Lakshman Jhula, where a family of three perished. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with significant damage reported to infrastructure, including blocked highways and damaged buildings. The state government, in coordination with the Indian Air Force and Army, has been actively involved in evacuating stranded individuals and providing aid
Overall, the HP and UK cloudburst have claimed 81 lives, with numerous others still unaccounted for. Authorities continue to issue warnings and conduct rescue operations in the affected regions, utilizing all available resources, including the military and disaster response teams.
For more information on the situation in both states, click here.
Possible Reasons for This Sudden Cloudburst in Himachal and Uttarakhand
The recent HP and UK cloudburst can be attributed to several interrelated factors. Firstly, these regions are currently experiencing the peak of the monsoon season, characterized by heavy and continuous rainfall. The interaction between warm monsoon winds and colder air masses, a phenomenon known as orographic lift, is a significant cause. This process leads to the formation of large cumulonimbus clouds, which can release intense rainfall over a small area within a short period
Additionally, climate change plays a crucial role in increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events. The warming of the Indian Ocean, which leads to more moisture-laden air masses, contributes to the occurrence of cloudbursts. The rising temperatures not only enhance the monsoon’s strength but also increase the likelihood of such incidents. Studies have shown a noticeable increase in the number of cloudbursts in the Himalayan region, correlating with global climate trends
The unique topography of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand exacerbates the situation. The steep slopes and narrow valleys accelerate water flow, leading to rapid and severe flooding and landslides. This terrain funnels rainwater swiftly into rivers and streams, causing them to overflow and devastate nearby areas. Moreover, the lack of adequate infrastructure, such as Doppler radars, hampers accurate prediction and timely alerts, making disaster management more challenging
New Delhi Rain Updates
In addition to the severe weather in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, New Delhi experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions. The Yamuna River’s water level rose significantly, prompting the Delhi authorities to issue warnings and implement precautionary measures. Despite these efforts, many areas in the capital, including major roads and residential zones, were inundated. The situation was described as chaotic, with visuals of submerged vehicles and flooded streets circulating widely on social media.
Criticism of the Kejriwal-led government and local authorities was rampant. Many residents expressed their frustration over the administration’s lack of preparedness and inadequate drainage systems. Social media was flooded with sarcastic remarks, likening the city’s flooded conditions to Venice. Delhiites criticized the government for failing to implement effective measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall, with many highlighting the recurring nature of these issues and the apparent incompetence of civic bodies.
Furthermore, opposition leaders and various news portals condemned the Delhi administration for its inability to manage the situation. Accusations ranged from poor urban planning to a lack of maintenance of essential infrastructure. The Delhi government’s response to these criticisms was seen as insufficient, with many demanding accountability and immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future.
How Can We Manage Cloudbursts in Himachal and Uttarakhand better?
The 2013 Uttarakhand Floods are still considered the most devastating natural disasters of all time. The number of lives lost is still unclear after 11 years. A similar but much smaller scale flooding is yet again taking place in Himachal and Uttarakhand as you read this article.
To better manage such extreme weather events, it is crucial to adopt a multi-faceted approach:
- Improved Early Warning Systems: Enhancing weather forecasting technology can provide more accurate and timely alerts, allowing for better preparedness and response.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Strengthening infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable areas, can mitigate the damage caused by floods and landslides.
- Community Awareness and Preparedness: Educating communities about the risks and safety measures during such events can save lives.
- Disaster Management Funds: Adequate and equitable distribution of disaster management funds can ensure that all affected areas receive the necessary support.
- Scientific Research: Investing in scientific research to understand the changing climate patterns and their impact on the region can help in devising effective strategies.
The recent cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand highlight the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies. As climate change continues to alter weather patterns, it is imperative to take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property in these ecologically sensitive regions.
Stay tuned for regular updates on the incident
Till next time
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