ISSUE – 16Flood havoc in Uttarakhand |
Questions for Best Practice with Writing Prompts
1. Mechanisms and Occurrence
Q.1. What are the specific synoptic and thermodynamic conditions that favor cloudburst events in Uttarakhand?
⇒ Understanding the atmospheric conditions (like moisture convergence, temperature profiles, and wind patterns) that lead to cloudbursts is crucial for developing accurate forecasting models.
Q.2. How do orographic effects (mountain ranges) influence cloudburst formation and intensity in the Himalayas?
⇒ The interaction of monsoon winds with the Himalayan topography plays a vital role in cloud development and precipitation patterns.
Q.3. Are there specific cloud types that are more prone to causing cloudbursts in this region?
⇒ Identifying the cloud types associated with cloudbursts can help improve weather prediction and warning systems.
Q.4. How do geological and geographical factors influence the impact of cloudbursts, particularly regarding landslides and flash floods?
⇒ Studying these factors is essential for land-use planning and infrastructure development in vulnerable areas.
2. Climate Change and Cloudbursts
Q.5. Is there a discernible link between climate change and the increasing frequency or intensity of cloudbursts in Uttarakhand?
⇒ Researching the impact of rising temperatures on atmospheric moisture and precipitation patterns is crucial.
Q.6. How are monsoon dynamics and cloudburst patterns changing in the Himalayan region due to climate change?
⇒ Analyzing long-term trends in rainfall data and weather patterns can reveal potential shifts in cloudburst activity.
Q.7. What are the potential future impacts of climate change on cloudbursts and their associated hazards in Uttarakhand?
⇒ Understanding future scenarios can help in developing adaptive strategies and disaster preparedness plans.
3. Mitigation and Management
Q.8. How can early warning systems be improved to provide timely and accurate predictions of cloudbursts?
⇒ This includes exploring advancements in radar technology, satellite-based monitoring, and rainfall estimation techniques.
Q.9. What are the best practices for infrastructure development in mountainous regions to minimize the impact of cloudbursts?
⇒ This involves incorporating disaster-resilient design principles into construction projects.
Q.10. How can community-based disaster preparedness programs be strengthened to enhance local resilience to cloudbursts?
⇒ This includes training local communities in emergency response, evacuation procedures, and first aid.
Q.11. What role can technology play in monitoring and responding to cloudbursts, such as using drones for damage assessment and relief efforts?
⇒ Leveraging technological advancements can improve disaster response and recovery.
Q.12. What are the recommendations for sustainable land-use planning and resource management in vulnerable areas to reduce the risk of cloudburst-related disasters?
⇒ This includes addressing deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and unplanned urbanization.
Q.13. How can effective coordination and collaboration be ensured among government agencies, local communities, and NGOs in disaster management?
⇒ Establishing clear communication channels and collaborative frameworks is essential for a coordinated response.
UPSC Mains Exam Oriented Practice Questions on This Issue
QUESTION 01
Flooding in the lower Himalayan region is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the characteristics of such major floods in the recent past. Discuss the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods.(GS Paper -III, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
Key Sources for Writing Answers
NEWS Articles on NEWS on AIR
Uttarakhand: Extensive Damage Reports Emerge from Dharali, Uttarkashi Following Cloudburst; Relief Operations Ongoing
In Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, a cloudburst in the Harsil region’s Dharali village this afternoon caused the Kheer Ganga river to swell suddenly, resulting in widespread destruction. According to the District Emergency Operations Center, heavy debris in the Dharali market area has caused severe damage to buildings, hotels, and shops. The Army, NDRF, SDRF, district administration, and other related teams are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations. District Magistrate Prashant Arya said that based on preliminary information, four people have been reported dead. Several people have been reported missing. Relief and rescue operations are underway with the help of the Army, SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other concerned teams. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is in continuous contact with senior officials and receiving regular updates on the situation. He said that People are being relocated to safer places on a priority basis, and the situation is being continuously monitored. The administration remains fully alert and is providing all possible assistance to the affected citizens.
President Droupadi Murmu has expressed sympathy to the families affected by the cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi. In a social media post, the President wished for the success of the relief and rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami and took stock of the situation. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that rescue teams are working in every possible manner under the supervision of the state government. The Prime Minister also expressed sympathy to the people affected in the cloudburst incident and also prayed for their well being.
Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand regarding the flash flood incident in Dharali (Uttarkashi) and gathered information . In a social media post, Mr. Shah informed that three nearby Indo Tibetan Border Police teams and four National Disaster Response Force teams have been dispatched to the site and the teams will engage in rescue operations.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that teams from the district administration, Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF are engaged in relief and rescue work in the affected areas. People are being shifted to safer locations on a priority basis, and the situation is being continuously monitored.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the relief and rescue operations being carried out in Dharali from the State Emergency Operations Center in Dehradun. The Indian Air Force has been contacted for support, and beds have been reserved in nearby government hospitals as well as AIIMS Rishikesh. A sufficient number of ambulances have been made operational. Local residents are being shifted to safer locations as a precautionary measure.
Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon, Brigade Commander, IBEX Brigade says Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with all available resources deployed to locate and assist any remaining stranded individuals.
In view of the disaster in Dharali, helpline numbers have been issued.
District Emergency Operations Center, Haridwar: 01374-222722, 7310913129, 7500737269, Toll-Free Number: 1077
State Emergency Operations Center, Dehradun: 0135-2710334, 2710335, 8218867005, 9058441404, Toll-Free Number: 1070
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