• Recent extreme rainfall in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Ladakh caused landslides, floods, swollen rivers.
• Over 15 deaths reported due to landslides in Uttarakhand.
• Increased frequency and intensity of such events in recent years → major concern.

Why do hilly regions receive more rainfall?

• Active monsoon season with consecutive rain-bearing low-pressure systems from Bay of Bengal.
• Northwestern region received 34% surplus rainfall in August 2024.
• Cumulative rainfall (June–Sept): 30%+ surplus in NW India.
• Mountainous topography facilitates cloud formation → heavy rainfall.

Regional Rainfall Data (till Sept 15, 2024) (Source: IMD)

• Uttarakhand: 1343.2 mm (+22%)
• Himachal Pradesh: 991.1 mm (+44%)
• J&K: 611.7 mm (+37%)
• Ladakh: 413 mm (+98.6%)
• Delhi: 726.6 mm (+68%)
• Rajasthan: 701.7 mm (+50%)
• Haryana: 391.2 mm (+14%)
• Punjab: 611.7 mm (+37%)

Why are hilly regions more vulnerable to disasters?

• Topography: Steep slopes, fragile rocks, narrow valleys.
• Excess rainfall: Triggers landslides, mudslides, flash floods.
• Debris flow: Mud, soil, gravel block streams, damaging settlements, bridges, roads.
• Example: Mandi, Kullu, Dharali (HP), Jammu & Kashmir incidents.
• Contrast with plains: Extreme rainfall in plains may not always cause disasters.

Role of Climate Change

1. Shift of large-scale weather systems:
   • Southward movement of western disturbances.
   • Interaction with monsoon winds = more rainfall complexity in Himalayas.
2. Global warming:
   • Intensification of extreme rainfall events.
   • More compound events (heat + heavy rainfall).
   • Longer dry spells followed by intense rainfall.
3. Arctic ice melting:
   • Alters global circulation.
   • Adds to Himalayan rainfall variability.

Impacts

• Environmental: Floods, landslides, erosion, biodiversity loss.
• Social: Loss of lives, displacement, communication breakdown.
• Economic: Infrastructure destruction (roads, bridges, agriculture).

Way Forward

• Disaster preparedness: Early warning systems, evacuation plans.
• Infrastructure planning: Landslide zoning, resilient roads & housing.
• Sustainable development: Restrict construction in fragile zones.

Climate action: Global cooperation to mitigate climate change.