Floods in Northeast

Why in News: Northeastern Northeastern states such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Mizoram are on high alert due to floods.

UPSC Syllabus:

Prelims: Current Affairs of National and International Importance

Mains: Geography, Environment, and Disaster Management 

Flood situation in Assam

• Floods have worsened the situation in Assam, affecting 11.34 lakh people in 28 districts and raising the death toll to 38.
• IAF helicopters airlifted twelve fishermen stranded on a riverside island in Dibrugarh.
• Rising water levels have particularly badly affected the Upper Assam region, necessitating helicopter rescue operations.

Flood situation in Manipur

• Major rivers in Manipur, such as Imphal, Thoubal, and Iril, are flowing above the danger mark.
• The state has declared a two-day holiday for educational institutions.
• This is the second major flood in less than a month, with one person dead and another missing in Senapati district.

Flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh

• Most of the rivers and their tributaries in Arunachal Pradesh are flowing above the danger mark, posing a major threat to the region.

Flood

• During a spate, the river’s water breaks its water channels and reaches human settlements and nearby land, causing flooding.
• Floods occur when the river water channels have more water flow than their capacity, and the water fills the low-lying areas of the plain in the form of flooding.
• Sometimes, lakes and inland water bodies fill up beyond their capacity.

Causes of flooding:

• Storms in coastal areas.
• Prolonged heavy rainfall.
• Melting snow.
• The land’s ability to absorb water has decreased.
• River water now contains more alluvium as a result of heightened soil erosion.

Northeastern states and major rivers

Causes of Floods in Northeast India

Heavy Rainfall

• The northeastern region of India receives intense and prolonged rainfall during the monsoon season, which is the main cause of floods.
• The region’s geographical location, with its high mountains and river systems, makes the situation even worse as the flow of water becomes uncontrolled.

Topographical Factors

• The hilly terrain and steep slopes in the northeastern states contribute to rapid runoff, causing rivers and streams to overflow their banks.
• The Brahmaputra and Barak river basins are particularly prone to flooding due to their large catchment areas and heavy sediment loads.

River overflow

• Rivers in the Northeast, such as the Brahmaputra, Imphal, Thoubal, and Iril, often overflow due to excessive rainfall, causing widespread flooding in nearby areas.

Deforestation

• The loss of forest cover in the region has increased surface runoff and soil erosion, reducing the land’s ability to absorb rainfall.
• This increases the amount of water in rivers and streams, leading to flooding.

Poor drainage system

• Particularly in urban areas, inadequate drainage infrastructure exacerbates flooding by making it difficult to effectively drain away rainwater, which causes waterlogging and raises the risk of flooding.

Effects of Floods

Loss of life and property

• Floods cause considerable loss of human life, livestock, homes, and infrastructure.
• It causes considerable economic and emotional distress for the affected population.

Displacement

• Large-scale displacement of people occurs during floods, leading to temporary shelters and humanitarian crises.
• Displaced populations often face challenges such as a lack of access to clean water, food, and healthcare.

Economic losses

• Floods disrupt agriculture, business, and industry, causing considerable economic losses.
• Loss of crops, damage to infrastructure, and disruption of trade routes contribute to long-term economic challenges.

Health hazards

• Floods increase the risk of waterborne diseases and health problems due to contaminated water and inadequate sanitation facilities.
• It can lead to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and malaria.

India’s flood management measures

Early Warning System

• Establishing strong early warning systems for timely alerts can help communities prepare for impending floods, thereby minimizing loss of life and property.
• Technologies such as satellite monitoring and weather forecasting play a vital role in this.

Improved Infrastructure

• Enhancing drainage systems, constructing embankments, and developing flood control reservoirs are essential measures to effectively manage flood waters.
• Improving infrastructure can reduce the impact of floods by controlling water flow and reducing runoff.

Afforestation

• Promoting afforestation and reforestation helps reduce runoff and soil erosion, thereby reducing the amount of water entering rivers and streams.
• Forests act as natural barriers, slowing down water flow and enhancing groundwater recharge.

Community Participation

• Involve local communities in flood preparedness and response strategies. Inclusion ensures that people are well-informed and prepared to act in the event of a flood.
• Community-based disaster management programs can increase resilience and reduce vulnerability.

Disaster Response Plans

• Developing comprehensive disaster response plans at the local, state, and national levels ensures coordinated and effective action during floods.
• These plans should include evacuation procedures, resource allocation, and post-disaster recovery strategies.

Northeast importance for India

Biodiversity

• The Northeast region is rich in biodiversity, with many species of flora and fauna.
• It contributes significantly to India’s overall biodiversity and is home to many endemic species.

Cultural Diversity

• The region is home to a variety of ethnic groups and cultures, each with its unique traditions and heritage.
• This cultural diversity enhances India’s social fabric and promotes cultural richness and inclusiveness.

Strategic location

• The strategic location of the Northeast, bordering countries such as China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, makes it important for India’s geopolitical and security considerations.
• It serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia, enhancing India’s regional connectivity.

Economic potential

• The region is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and mineral reserves, and has significant tourism potential.
• The development of these resources can boost the local economy and contribute to national development.

Steps taken by the government for flood management

The Indian government has implemented various measures to manage and mitigate the impact of floods. These steps include structural and non-structural measures, policy frameworks, and community-based initiatives to enhance resilience and preparedness for floods.

Construction of embankments and levees

• The government has constructed embankments and levees along major rivers to prevent overflow.

Example: The country has constructed more than 35,000 km of embankments as of 2021.

• These structures help keep river water within its banks during high flows.

Flood control reservoirs

• We construct reservoirs and dams to control water flow during heavy rainfall and store excess water. These reservoirs help control floods and ensure a stable water supply during dry periods.
• Notable examples include the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River and the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River.

Improved drainage systems

• The government has initiated projects to improve urban and rural drainage systems. Proper drainage infrastructure prevents waterlogging and reduces the risk of urban flooding. For example, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) includes projects to improve drainage in flood-prone areas along the Ganga River.

Flood forecasting and warning systems

• The government has established advanced flood forecasting and warning systems to provide timely alerts to vulnerable communities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) operate flood forecasting systems covering major river basins.

Floodplain Zoning

• We have implemented floodplain zoning rules to restrict construction and development activities in flood-prone areas. States such as Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have implemented floodplain zoning to manage urban development in vulnerable areas.

Community-based disaster management

• Community-based disaster management programs involve local communities in flood preparedness and response activities. These programs include awareness campaigns, training, and the establishment of community response teams. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is actively promoting community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) in various states.

Policy frameworks

National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)

• The NDMP outlines a comprehensive approach to flood management, including flood mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. It provides guidelines for various stakeholders to effectively coordinate their efforts in managing floods.

Flood Management Programme (FMP)

• The FMP, implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, focuses on providing financial assistance to states for flood control measures, including the construction of embankments, anti-erosion works, and improvement of drainage systems. In 2020–21, the FMP allocated Rs 1,000 crore for flood management projects across India.

The Integrated Flood Management Approach

• The government promotes an integrated approach to flood management, combining structural and non-structural measures with sustainable land and water resource management practices.

Use of GIS and Remote Sensing

• Flood mapping, monitoring, and management employ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under ISRO provides satellite-based flood monitoring and assessment services.

Developing a Mobile App

• To disseminate flood-related information to the public, the government has launched a mobile app. These apps provide real-time updates on flood conditions, allowing people to take timely action. IMD’s “Damini” app is one such example that provides lightning and flood warnings.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) 

• Established in 2006, the NDRF plays a vital role in flood rescue and relief operations. As of 2021, the NDRF has conducted over 1,000 flood rescue operations, saving thousands of lives and providing relief.