WHY INDIA IS FLOOD -PRONE REGION?

India is a flood-prone region due to several geographical and climatic factors.

Here are some reasons why India experiences frequent flooding:

• Monsoon Climate: India has a monsoon climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. During the monsoon season (June to September), the country receives heavy rainfall from southwest monsoon winds. These intense rainfalls can lead to excessive runoff and cause rivers to overflow, resulting in floods.

• Himalayan Rivers: India’s northern region is home to several major rivers originating from the Himalayas. This includes the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries. These rivers carry substantial amounts of water during the monsoon season. Heavy rainfall combined with the melting of snow and glaciers in the Himalayas can cause these rivers to swell and flood downstream areas.
• Flat Plains and River Basins: The northern plains of India, including the Gangetic and Brahmaputra basins, are vast flat regions with fertile alluvial soils. While these plains are ideal for agriculture, they are also susceptible to flooding. The flat terrain allows floodwaters to spread over large areas, affecting densely populated regions.
• Cyclones and Coastal Flooding: India’s coastal areas are prone to cyclones and storm surges. Cyclonic systems that develop in the Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea can bring heavy rainfall. And cause coastal flooding, particularly in states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Gujarat.
• Inadequate Drainage Infrastructure: Rapid urbanization and inadequate drainage systems in many cities contribute to urban flooding. Concrete surfaces and encroachment on natural drainage channels prevent proper water absorption and runoff, leading to waterlogging and flash floods during heavy rainfall events.
• Deforestation and Land Use Changes: Extensive deforestation, particularly in hilly regions, reduces the natural capacity of forests to absorb and retain water. Moreover, unplanned construction and encroachment on floodplains exacerbate flood risks by obstructing natural water flow and increasing runoff.
• Climate Change: Climate change is amplifying the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and floods. Rising temperatures can lead to increased evaporation and moisture content in the atmosphere, which, when combined with weather patterns, can result in more intense and erratic rainfall.