Torrential Rain in North India Caused by Two-System Confluence Similar to Kedarnath Flood
The recent deluge in north India has been attributed to a deadly confluence of two weather systems, namely the monsoon winds and a western disturbance. This two-system interaction is reminiscent of the events that led to the devastating Uttarakhand flooding in 2013. Experts have stated that such interactions are increasingly likely to result in extreme rainfall and flooding as the world warms up.
The heavy downpours in the north have helped alleviate the nationwide monsoon deficit, bringing the cumulative rainfall for the season to a surplus of 2% for the first time since June 1. Over the past two days, two weather systems have been active over north India, leading to significant rainfall.
According to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the Chief of India Meteorological Department (IMD), there was a trough extending from Rajasthan to the north Arabian Sea associated with a western disturbance. Simultaneously, due to strong monsoon conditions, winds from the Bay of Bengal were also reaching the north. This convergence of the two systems, centered around Jammu & Kashmir on Saturday and around Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, resulted in very heavy showers. These areas received moisture from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, intensifying the rainfall.
Similar interactions between weather systems are not uncommon and have been linked to extreme weather events, particularly in the hills of northwest India. In June 2013, a western disturbance drew moisture from the north, while a low-pressure system from the Bay of Bengal compounded the situation. This led to record-breaking monsoon coverage across the country and catastrophic downpours in Uttarakhand, including the devastating cloudburst at Kedarnath. The flooding and landslides resulting from this deluge claimed over 5,000 lives and displaced more than 500,000 people.
Explaining the mechanism behind heavy rainfall in the mountains, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that when winds hit the hills and rise, it causes heavy precipitation. Kieran M R Hunt from the UK’s University of Reading, who led a study on such weather interactions in India, mentioned that the intensity of rainfall caused by these confluences could increase in a warming world.
While there is no definitive trend regarding the frequency of such interactions, experts agree that when they do occur, they will be increasingly associated with extreme rainfall and flooding. This highlights the need to address climate change and its impact on weather patterns to mitigate the risks posed by these events.
It is essential to note that the recent flooding in north India has disrupted the lives of thousands of people and caused significant damage to infrastructure and property. The government and relief organizations are working together to provide assistance to those affected and initiate recovery efforts.
In summary, the recent torrential rain and flooding in north India resulted from a convergence of the monsoon winds and a western disturbance. This interaction of two weather systems, reminiscent of the 2013 Kedarnath flood, is likely to become more frequent in a warming world, leading to increased extreme rainfall and flooding. It is crucial for governments and communities to prioritize climate change mitigation and adaptation measures to reduce the impact of such events in the future.
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