Why rains are ravaging Himachal, Uttarakhand
Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand has led to devastating landslides, flash floods, and widespread destruction. The hill states have reportedly witnessed 82 deaths combined in the last few days, and there has been significant damage to infrastructure. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted isolated heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh for the next two days and in Uttarakhand for the next five days, let's look at the reason behind the relentless rainfall.
Unraveling the hill states' rainfall mystery
The rains are caused by the northward movement of a monsoon trough and its interaction with a weak western disturbance. Western disturbances are extratropical storms that originate in the Mediterranean region and bring winter rain to the northern Indian subcontinent when they encounter the Himalayas. A monsoon trough is a stretch of low-pressure areas acting as a convergence point for moist air masses from different directions. It leads to the formation of dense vertical clouds, bringing heavy rains and thunderstorms.
Climate change's impact on weather patterns
The heavy rain has caused soil erosion, flash floods, and loosening of soil in the Himalayan and northeastern states. This, in turn, has made the ground susceptible to landslides and caused houses to collapse due to fragile foundations. Tectonic movement and human activities like mining and construction also trigger landslides in the region. The IMD predicts the monsoon trough will temporarily shift southward, leading to a reduction of rainfall over the hills and an increase in rainfall over east-central India.
Government's response to rain-related tragedies
Experts said the damage caused by floods, landslides, and mudslides in the Himalayan states is the natural outcome of three factors—climate change, a young mountain range that is still geologically active, and reckless infrastructure projects. A landslide vulnerability map is being prepared for the Himalayan region, and afforestation is being promoted as a measure to address the situation. Notably, forests and green cover play a major role in slowing down the impact of continuous rainfall on soil.
327 deaths in Himachal since onset of monsoon
Reportedly, Himachal Pradesh has suffered an estimated loss of Rs. 10,000 crore since the onset of the monsoon in June, while 327 people have died so far. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force, the Army, local police, and home guards are currently conducting search and rescue operations. At least 71 people have died and 13 are still missing in Himachal Pradesh since Monday, while 10 people have died in Uttarakhand.
