Disaster in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

At least 25 people were killed as torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

As currents washed away bridges and vehicles, several arterial roads were blocked by debris.

Schools and transport facilities are immediately put out of action, which leads to a loss of productive hours.
It destroys livelihoods, weakens family finances, and puts a strain on the state exchequer.

The monsoon compresses around 75% of India’s annual rainfall into four months.
Due to the highly diverse terrain, some spots are far more vulnerable to monsoon rainfall.
E.g. Mountain areas are highly vulnerable to natural disasters.
The unique challenges:
The hill states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand face particular and distinctive difficulties. Disruptions in monsoon rain patterns are causing an increase in cloudburst-like phenomena as well as an increase in the frequency of high-energy cyclones and droughts.
Infrastructural development:
It is well known that building infrastructure has inherent hazards due to the expense and environmental harm caused by slopes and unstable terrain.

Early warning:
The India Meteorological Department now provides fortnightly, weekly and even three-hourly weather forecasts to districts.
Regulation of construction activities:
Minimising construction along riverbanks while paying particular attention to water level during times of severe rain.
Adopting eco-friendly approaches:

Adopting eco-friendly policies and eco-sensitive tourism is essential for developing the ecologically vulnerable region.
E.g. the use of geotextiles for road and railway embankments.
Rehabilitation:
The government should make policies to rehabilitate people from climate-vulnerable areas to safe locations.

Content Source: The Hindu