disaster management

FLASH FLOOD MANAGEMENT: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

India experiences sudden, intense flash floods from extreme rainfall, cloudbursts, and glacial lake outbursts, aggravated by saturated soil. Hotspots include the Himalayas, West Coast, and Central India. Climate change is increasing their frequency and intensity, causing damage and over 5,000 deaths annually.

NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE FORCE (NDRF) ROLE IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), established in 2006 under Disaster Management Act, 2005, is a specialized force. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, its mission is to provide swift, effective response to natural and man-made disasters, conducting rescue, relief, and capacity-building efforts to minimize impact.

SOUTHWEST MONSOON

According to a research paper issued by scientists from the India Meteorological Department, the duration of the southwest monsoon (SWM) season, which provides 75% of India's annual rainfall, has increased during the last five decades.

IMPACTS OF CLIMATES CHANGE ON GLACIERS

A new study by experts forecasted global glacier erosion rates with unprecedented precision. The majority of glacial erosion occurs in areas with extensive current ice cover, including Alaska, the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Scandinavia, and the southern Andes.

CLOUDBURST, LANDSLIDE & FLASH FLOOD

Flash floods caused by heavy rainfall have wreaked havoc along the Kheer Ganga river in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. The floods that ravaged Dharali, a renowned tourist destination 8,600 feet above sea level, killed several people and left many more missing.

Industrial Accidents, the Human Cost of Indifference

CORAL BLEACHING

When corals are stressed by changes in temperature, light, or nutrition, they expel the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae from their tissues, causing them to turn entirely white. This occurrence is known as coral bleaching.

MANGROVES ROLE IN MITIGATING CLIMATE RISK: EXPLAINED

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan recognized the value of mangroves and co-founded the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems. He established Mangrove Genetic Resource Centres in nine countries, including India, to protect and restore them. Challenges include deforestation, pollution, and climate change impacts. Future steps include strengthening community participation, strict enforcement of laws, investing in scientific research.