Prepare Yourself for Intensified Monsoon Rains Ahead

In the face of increasingly extreme weather events, the Indian government is focusing its efforts on making Himalayan states more resilient to cloudbursts and reducing the risk of urban flooding in plateau regions.

Heavy rainfall may continue to trigger landslides and flash floods in Uttarakhand during September, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This forecast comes as a reminder of the need for urgent action. The IMD also predicts normal to above-normal rainfall for most regions of India in September, except for some areas that depend on the northeast monsoon and pockets of northwestern and northeastern India.

Historical data suggests a slight upward trend in September precipitation since 1980, with some exceptions. However, the IMD's forecast does not specify whether the heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand will be more or less severe than in previous years. To mitigate this risk, the government is considering regulating human activity on hilltops in Himalayan states and preventing blockages to the natural flow of water to reduce flash floods.

In cities, particularly those in plateau regions, authorities should consider building in-situ underground rainwater harvesting tanks to mitigate urban flooding. Nature has historically been more powerful than humans, who have survived by adapting to it. It is time for another reset in human behavior to adapt to extreme weather events.

To advise on measures protecting the country from power outages and extreme weather events, the government has appointed a team of experts. Known as the Expert Council on Climate Issues, this group consists of five experts appointed for five years from various disciplines including climate science, economics, environmental science, and social issues, representing sectors like energy industry, transportation, and agriculture.

However, it is important to note that India alone cannot reverse the trend of extreme weather events due to climate change. People cannot expect to live their lives exactly as their ancestors did in the face of these events. Instead, the solution to the ongoing flash floods and cloudbursts in India lies in adaptation.

As we move forward, it is crucial that we prioritise making our cities and states more resilient to the effects of climate change. By doing so, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens and future generations.