NEWS

• At least 65 people died and over 50 went missing after torrential rains triggered flash floods in Chasoti village, Kishtwar district.
• The village lies en route to the Machail Mata temple, a popular pilgrimage site.

HIGHLIGHTS

Rising Frequency of Extreme Events

• Between 2010–2022, J&K recorded 2,863 extreme weather events leading to 552 deaths (IMD study, Mausam).
• Flash floods (168 events) and landslides (186 events) were common, while heavy snowfall (42 events) caused the maximum fatalities (182).
• Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Doda districts saw the highest flash-flood deaths.

Key Drivers

1. Climate Change & Temperature Rise
   • Western Himalayas warming twice as fast as rest of India post-2000.
   • For every 1°C rise, atmosphere holds 7% more moisture, intensifying rainfall.
2. Western Disturbances (WDs)
   • Rain-bearing winds from Mediterranean, Black, Caspian, and Arabian Seas.
   • Once limited to winters, WDs now affect weather year-round, increasing floods.
3. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
   • Melting glaciers create unstable lakes; sudden breaches trigger catastrophic floods.
4. Topography & Human Activities
   • Fragile Himalayan terrain amplifies risks.
   • Deforestation, unregulated construction, and encroachment worsen vulnerability.

Preparedness and Mitigation

• Infrastructure Planning: Incorporate geology & hydrology, slope stabilization, afforestation.
• Water Management: Reservoirs, rainwater harvesting, controlled water release.
• Early Warning Systems: Advanced forecasting, community alert mechanisms.
• Community Participation: Training, disaster awareness campaigns, local preparedness programmes.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Flood-tolerant crops, adaptive practices to ensure food security.