Extreme Weather Events in Jammu and Kashmir
The Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir faced a tragic flash floodrecently. Torrential rain struck the remote village of Chasoti near Machail Mata temple. At least 65 people died and over 50 remain missing. Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of such disasters to global warming and changing weather patterns. Jammu and Kashmir has seen a sharp rise in extreme weather events, causing thousands of deaths over recent years.
Rising Incidence of Extreme Weather
Between 2010 and 2022, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 2,863 extreme weather events. These included thunderstorms, heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, and heavy snow. Thunderstorms occurred 1,942 times, while heavy rain was reported 409 times. Flash floods and landslides took place 168 and 186 times respectively. Heavy snow events were fewer but deadlier, causing 182 deaths. Overall, 552 deaths were recorded during this period due to extreme weather.
Major Causes Behind Extreme Events
Three key factors drive extreme weather in Jammu and Kashmir – rising temperatures, changing western disturbances, and the region’s topography. The western Himalayas have warmed twice as fast as the Indian subcontinent since 2000. Warmer air holds more moisture, increasing rainfall intensity and frequency. Shrinking glaciers have formed unstable glacial lakes, which can burst and cause floods downstream.
Western Disturbances and Changing Patterns
Western disturbances are rain-bearing winds that move eastwards from areas beyond Afghanistan and Iran. They usually affect the region in winter but now occur beyond this season. Global warming has heated the Arabian Sea, increasing moisture supply to these systems. This intensifies rainfall and flood risks in Jammu and Kashmir and other Himalayan states.
Impact of Topography
Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous terrain amplifies extreme weather effects. Orographic rainfall occurs when moist air rises over hills, cools, and condenses into heavy precipitation. This natural feature makes the region prone to sudden floods and landslides. The unstable terrain also worsens the damage caused by flash floods and heavy rains.
Statistics on Human Impact
Flash floods caused the highest fatalities in districts like Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Doda. Heavy rain and heavy snow remain the deadliest weather phenomena overall. Thunderstorms and windstorms are increasingly . Between 2010 and 2022, thousands of people lost their lives due to these extreme events in Jammu and Kashmir.
| Related | |
|---|---|
