Raging storms: Climate change’s wrath wrecks north India

The weekend brought disturbing images of incessant rain in north Indian states, floods and landslides leaving behind a mud and sludge trail of destruction and debris. Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Delhi are seeing devastation caused by sudden and huge downpours, turning scenic landscapes into battered battlefields, inhabitants attempting to be resilient.

The continuous downpours have shattered the relative peace and quiet of Himachal’s valleys. Rivers rage unrestrained engulfing communities and roadways. Communities that inhabit these areas, battered yet unbroken, face this treacherous situation with unshakable strength and compassion.

The breadbasket of India, Punjab, is now a picture of soggy fields and crushed hopes. Farmers are in despair. Flooded housing societies in Chandigarh and Panchkula are yet another reminder something has gone terribly wrong somewhere. 

In Delhi transformation of streets into canals has disrupted the city’s everyday rhythm. Renowned for its adaptability, it tries to rise to the occasion, residents offering a helping hand and refuge to those forced out by their localities and houses getting flooded.

Climate Change unleashes torrential fury

The extreme weather is a sobering reminder of the need to address climate change and its wide-ranging effects. Heavy downpour events have become more frequent and intense over the past several years. There will be more severe downpours and longer showers because the atmosphere will store more moisture due to the rise in Earth’s temperature caused by greenhouse gas emissions. IPCC reports have made it amply clear, showing evidence of a warmer climate leading to these extreme weather events. 

These extreme precipitation events impact communities, particularly those that are marginalised in our society, and they often are at the receiving ends of devastating floods, landslides, and other forms of destruction caused by a rapidly changing climate. It is a stark warning that urgent action is necessary to stop the causes of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prepare for the new normal of more regular and severe downpours.

The direct cause of the severe rainfall event that hit the states of northern India may have been a tangle of meteorological factors and large-scale weather patterns. One crucial factor is that a low-pressure system is present over the region. These systems operate as catalysts for forming large rain clouds, which can lead to extended periods of very heavy rain.

Another important factor is monsoon humidity due to a warmer climate and its interaction with weather systems such as cyclones, fronts, and atmospheric turbulence. The interaction of these systems with the moist winds of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal creates ideal conditions for heavy rainfall. 

North Indian states are particularly susceptible to monsoons due to their geography and location. The Himalayas force the moist air to rise and condense as a barrier, resulting in more precipitation. Additionally, river systems and tributaries in the region can exacerbate flooding problems during heavy rains. 

Mitigating rainfall risks: Strengthening resilience 

The following steps can be taken to mitigate and minimise the effects of extreme rainfall in north Indian states: 

First, early warning systems must be strengthened by expanding communication channels and weather forecasts to share information with residents and authorities as quickly as possible. Community-based early warning systems must be developed to ensure effective information flow and preparedness. 

Second, we must invest in reliable infrastructure that includes measures to minimise flooding, such as creating and maintaining proper drainage systems and riverbanks. Infrastructure development plans should consider climate change to maintain resilience against approaching extreme weather events. 

Third, sensible urban planning and land use practices must be followed. This would mean avoiding building in flood-prone areas and ensuring natural water flow systems that must be adopted. Urban planning must follow environmental planning.