Experts say that we inhabit a thin, damp tissue of atmosphere, where hospitable warmth and moisture are maintained in a critical balance. What we think of as the planet’s “normal” weather patterns are typical only of the period in which we live. Clues of the climate of the future lie in the facts of the past. There is every likelihood that the climatic conditions that gripped the earth at the height of the ice age 18,000 years ago will return one day. A drop in global temperature of only 4 degrees F (2 degrees C) could initiate a new ice age. The advancing glaciers would imprison so much of the world’s water that the oceans would shrink, stripping the seas from the continental shelves.
Weather can change from day to day. Climate, however, is much slower to shift, for it is the average of a region’s weather pattern: its seasonal temperatures and rainfall over many years. It influences all aspects of our lives, determining everything from the sorts of roofs we put on our houses to worldwide pattern of human settlement.
Monsoon: The word “monsoon” derives from the Arabic ‘mausim’. meaning season, and describes any noticeably seasonal wind which blows over a large climatic region. More specifically, the word refers to the wind system of India and Southern Asia, which produces two seasons a year. One is dry and the other is wet. If the latter delivers too much or too little of its vital moisture load, the results can be catastrophic.
The recent climate change is causing the flood situation in J&K UT. Rising global temperatures are resulting into more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and flash floods. This is because a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, resulting in more severe precipitation.
It is stated that the global average temperature has risen by about 1.5 degrees C since the Industrial Revolution. This increase is contributing to more extreme weather events and altering regional climate patterns.
If left unchecked, climate change will continue to worsen, leading to more frequent severe natural disasters, displacement of communities, and many economic losses.
Thus, to overcome climate change, it is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources which include switching to solar, wind, and hydroelectric power which can reduce carbon emissions. Besides reduce deforestation and promote eco-friendly agriculture to mitigate climate change. The flood protection measures recommended by the experts need to be implemented to help the communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
For the past few days, we see our region of J&K caught in a grip of the severe climate disturbance that too unawares as before when we faced September 14 floods which was worst in the past century. This year we have witnessed frequent cloud bursts mostly in Jammu region causing flash floods with damage to the lives and the property. The Kashmir Valley too has been experiencing continuous rains besides some cloud bursts here and there.
Thus, J&K UT is facing a critical flood situation due to relentless monsoon rains, with many rivers crossing danger levels. The media reports about the affected areas as: Districts as Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Samba, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Kishtwar, Anantnag and Kulgam facing heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides.
Rivers: Chenab river breached danger levels at Akhnoor, flowing 36.5 feet above the danger mark of 35 feet.
Tawi river: crossed flood alert level in Jammu city and Udhampur, with water levels rising rapidly
Ravi river: breached flood alert level in Kathua, with water level recorded at 524.97 meters against the danger level of 527.01 meters.
Ujh river: crossed flood alert level in Kathua, with a recorded discharge of 59,750 cusecs
Casualties: over 130 lives have been lost, and 33 people are still missing due to cloudbursts, landslides. And flash floods since August 14
Measures taken: Yatra to Shri Mata Vishno Devi suspended, schools closed, exams canceled The Indian Army & SDRF engaged in rescue operations.
Forecast: The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours, with a moderate to high risk of flash floods in districts like Anantnag, Doda, Kathua, Kistwar, Kulgam, Poonch, Ramban, Reasi, and Udhampur.
Residents have been advised to stay away from riverbanks, avoid vulnerable areas, and keep emergency supplies ready.
Similarly, Jhelum River in Srinagar had touched the danger mark but due to improvement in weather there was a respite by the falling level of water. However, there is a prediction of further heavy rainfall and even a snowfall in higher reaches during the coming days of the week which reminds us of the September floods eleven years back.
It is said that, “Floods are acts of God, but acts of man cause flood damage” These floods are a testimony to this fact.
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