In context of increased instances of flash floods in India, suggest measures for better resilience. Also, highlight the significance of flash flood guidance system (FFGS) operated by the Indian meteorological Department (IMD).
12% of India’s total land is vulnerable to floods (IMD).
Vulnerability:
- Tropical country – increasing adverse impacts of climate change can trigger flash floods due to increased rainfall intensity, dispersed downpours (80% rainfall in four months), more cloudburst events in Himalayas due to increased temperatures.
- Vast coastline – effects of increased tropical cyclones, changing monsoon patterns, coastal erosion.
- River flooding – increased chances of inundation due to higher glacial melting.
- Urban flash floods – increased concretisation, defective drainage.
Measures for resilience to flash floods:
- Preventive (structural)-
- coastal breakers.
- Water gets at HEP sites.
- Drainage system in urban areas desilted and unclogged.
- Nonstructural-
- Zoning and land Use classification.
- Rehabilitation and settlement of annually affected inhabitants.
- Rescue and relief funds, personnel, training.
- Resilient infrastructure.
Significance of flash flood guidance system:
- Critical in saving lives, livelihood by timely rehabilitation.
- Take structural measures in frequently affected areas.
- Knowledge and warning data for future research and prediction.
Flash floods are likely to worsen due to climate change and requires both technological and economic interventions.
Topics: GS-III: Conservation Environmental Pollution Degradation