Guwahati, July 06: India is facing increasingly challenging circumstances in managing and mitigating the impact of floods due to shifting flood vulnerability zones. Assam, a northeastern state of India, has been a frequent victim of devastating floods, with multiple occurrences throughout the year. However, recent projections indicate that the situation may worsen, particularly in the southern parts of Assam.
According to the state’s disaster management plan for 2022, floods are expected to increase by more than 25% in these vulnerable areas. The report highlights the vulnerability of small islands in the Brahmaputra and Barak river basins, which are isolated and lack permanent healthcare facilities. As climate change continues, these islands become more susceptible to frequent flooding, putting the inhabitants at risk.
The changing monsoon pattern in northeastern India is characterized by excessive rainfall in short bursts followed by extended dry periods. This new pattern makes the region even more susceptible to flooding than before. However, India’s flood vulnerability zones are also shifting on a broader scale. Meteorologist Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather Services explains that the rainfall pattern is moving away from northwest India and the Indo-Gangetic plains towards central India and the western coast of the country.
Areas such as Madhya Pradesh, eastern Rajasthan, Gujarat, Konkan, Goa, and coastal Karnataka are becoming the new flood vulnerability zones. In contrast, traditional flood-prone areas like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar are not expected to experience heavy downpours as frequently as before. This change in rainfall patterns poses a significant challenge for the affected regions, particularly regarding infrastructure development.
The new flood-prone areas lack adequate infrastructure to manage the excess water resulting from heavy rainfall. Palawat emphasizes the need for improved water management strategies in these regions, including the construction of reservoirs and dams to store excess water and channelize it effectively. Without proper planning and infrastructure, flash floods can cause significant damage to crops and the environment.
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To effectively address the increasing intensity of floods, India needs to adopt short-term and long-term measures. Aditi Mukherji, director at the climate change impact platform of the CGIAR, suggests that preserving floodplains and preventing encroachments in these areas should be a priority. Poor land use planning and human settlements in flood-prone areas have exacerbated the damages caused by floods. It is essential to develop infrastructure in these areas while considering the implications of climate change.
Improving communication with the public regarding short-term flood predictions and protecting and restoring water bodies and wetlands in urban areas can also help reduce the impact of urban flooding.
Additionally, regional cooperation between countries is crucial for sharing data on rainfall patterns. Heavy rainfall in neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan can contribute to flooding in India, and collaboration is necessary to mitigate cross-border flood-related risks.
A recent study conducted in Bangladesh highlighted the adverse effects of excessive rainfall in the Meghalaya hills, which resulted in widespread losses and damages in neighboring areas. Climate change exacerbates existing hazards and increases their frequency, timing, and severity, leading to more significant losses and damages.
Similarly, Assam’s disaster management plan identifies the release of water from dams upstream in Bhutan and neighboring states as a significant cause of flooding in the region.
India’s shifting flood vulnerability zones pose significant challenges to disaster management and mitigation efforts. It is crucial to implement effective strategies for water management, preserve floodplains, improve communication with the public, and enhance regional cooperation to mitigate the impact of floods.
By adopting a proactive approach and considering the changing climatic conditions, India can better prepare for and mitigate the effects of future floods, protecting the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.
