Himalayan tragedy: the Impact of natural disasters
Context:
Recently, a glacier avalanche hit a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) project site at Mana village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district.
Relevance:
GS-01 (Geography) GS-03 (Disaster Management)
Dimensions of the Article:
- What is an avalanche?
- Factors Contributing to Avalanches
- Impacts of Natural Disasters
- How Can It Be Tackled?
- Way Forward
What is an avalanche?
- It is a sudden, rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain or slope.
- Factors responsible for avalanches: human interference, heavy snowfall, frequent temperature changes.
- There are three types of avalanches: rock avalanches, debris avalanches, and ice avalanches.
Factors Contributing to Avalanches
- Climatic Influences
- Heavy snowfall, sudden temperature shifts, and strong winds create unstable snow layers.
- Rainfall can weaken snowpack cohesion, increasing avalanche risks.
- Terrain Characteristics
- Steep, convex slopes are more prone to snow slides.
- The orientation of a slope relative to sun and wind exposure affects snow stability.
- Snowpack Instability
- Weak layers within the snowpack can collapse under stress, triggering avalanches.
- Variations in snow density and bonding impact overall stability.
- Human Triggers
- Activities like skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking can disturb fragile snow layers.
- Sudden weight shifts on unstable slopes can initiate slides.
- Natural Disturbances
- Seismic activities, volcanic eruptions, and rockfalls can dislodge snow masses.
- Strong vibrations from natural events may cause large-scale avalanches.
Impacts of Natural Disasters:
- Loss of Life and Infrastructure: Avalanches, landslides, and floods in the Himalayan region have caused heavy casualties and damage to infrastructure.
- Economic Disruption: Disasters affect local livelihoods and disrupt tourism and trade.
- Environmental Damage: Increased deforestation and unregulated construction worsen the environmental balance.
- Migration and Displacement: Natural disasters force temporary or permanent relocation of local communities.
How Can It Be Tackled?
- Strengthening Infrastructure: Construct earthquake and avalanche-resistant shelters using designs similar to Antarctic research stations and bomb shelters.
- Early Warning Systems: Develop better prediction models and install real-time monitoring systems for early alerts.
- Community Preparedness: Train workers and residents on emergency response and disaster management.
- Policy and Planning: Implement stricter zoning laws and restrict construction in high-risk areas.
Way Forward:
- Technology Integration: Use satellite imagery, drones, and AI-based systems for real-time monitoring and rescue.
- Safer Living Spaces: Design containers and shelters with reinforced structures and heating for better survival rates.
- Disaster-Resistant Planning: Include disaster resilience measures in infrastructure projects, especially in high-risk zones.
- Worker Safety Protocols: Ensure adequate training and safety measures for workers in hazardous environments.
Mains question:
Q. Discuss the challenges posed by natural disasters in the Himalayan region and suggest measures to mitigate their impact. (250 words)
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