Scientists Warn of Increasing Devastating Rainfall in Himachal Pradesh Due to Climate Change
Unprecedented rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, which led to widespread death and destruction, will only worsen in the coming years as the earth continues to warm, according to scientists. Urgent action is needed to address this escalating issue. A research-based environment consultant, Climate Trends, quoted scientists from various disciplines in a note stating that a hotter earth raises humidity, alters weather patterns, and intensifies rainfall. The vulnerable hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are particularly at risk.
Anjal Prakash, a clinical associate professor and research director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, and an author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), explained that the heavy rains experienced in Himachal Pradesh align with the expected patterns in a warming world. Higher temperatures can result in more intense rainfall, heightening the risks of landslides and flash floods. Prakash emphasized the urgency for immediate action, highlighting the vulnerability of hillside communities and the crumbling of essential infrastructure, which exacerbates the tragedy.
Climate Trends referred to the 6th Assessment Cycle Report by the IPCC, which projects a considerable increase in damages and losses from water-related hazards, such as floods and landslides, between 1.5°C and 3°C global warming levels. This projection is already being realized in Himachal Pradesh.
This year, during the first 54 days of the monsoon season, the state received 742 mm of rainfall, surpassing the season’s average of 730 mm from June 1 to September 30, according to the weather department. Disturbing videos of roads collapsing, houses crumbling due to the eroding ground beneath them, and cars floating in floodwaters have gone viral. Tragically, over 215 people have lost their lives, with many others reported missing, marking one of the deadliest incidents in decades. In just a fortnight, 72 people were killed in Shimla alone, including 14 devotees who were buried inside a temple after part of a hill caved in.
It is crucial to address these alarming events and take immediate measures to mitigate the risks posed by climate change-induced rainfall in Himachal Pradesh. Failure to do so could result in further devastating consequences for the region. The government, scientific community, and local authorities must collaborate to develop strategies, invest in robust infrastructure, and raise awareness among vulnerable communities to ensure their safety and resilience in the face of future rainfall events. The urgency cannot be overstated, as climate change continues to pose a grave threat to the fragile environment and inhabitants of Himachal Pradesh.
