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Uttarkashi Flash Floods
Uttarakhand flash floods highlight escalating weather disasters
Context: The recent flash floods in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, triggered by a cloudburst on 5 August 2025, have once again spotlighted the vulnerability of Himalayan regions to extreme weather events. With at least four lives lost and dozens missing, this disaster underscores the growing frequency and intensity of climate-induced calamities in India.
What caused the flash floods in Uttarkashi?
- Cloudburst in the Kheer Ganga Catchment: A sudden and intense cloudburst occurred in the high-altitude region of Dharali village. This released a torrent of water that overwhelmed the terrain, sweeping away homes, hotels, and roads within seconds.
- Rugged Topography: Uttarkashi lies in the Garhwal Himalayas, characterised by steep slopes, deep valleys, and unstable rock formations.
- Continuous Heavy Rainfall: The region had been receiving persistent rainfall for several days before the disaster. This saturated the soil, reduced slope stability, and increased the likelihood of mudslides and debris flows.
- Unregulated Human Activity: Deforestation, unplanned construction, and tourism pressure have degraded the natural landscape. These activities disrupt water drainage and reduce the land’s ability to absorb rainfall, increasing vulnerability to flash floods.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures in the Himalayas have intensified monsoonal systems. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to more frequent and intense cloudbursts and extreme weather events.
What should be the way forward for Himalayan disaster risk management?
- Policy and Monitoring: Establish real-time glacial lake monitoring using satellite and drone technology. Strengthen weather forecasting systems with high-resolution models.
- Infrastructure and Planning: Ban or strictly regulate construction in ecologically sensitive zones. Promote disaster-resilient infrastructure in mountain towns.
- Community Preparedness: Conduct awareness drives and emergency drills in vulnerable villages. Train local stakeholders in first response and evacuation protocols.
- Climate Adaptation: Incorporate climate risk assessments into all development projects. Implement state-level climate action plans aligned with the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
What are Flash Floods?
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- A flash flood is a rapid and intense flooding event that occurs within minutes to hours of heavy rainfall, dam break, or sudden release of water.
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Key Features:
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- Develop quickly, often with little warning.
- Typically caused by intense rainfall, cloudbursts, or dam failures.
- Common in urban areas, mountainous regions, and dry riverbeds.
- Can carry debris, mud, and rocks, making them highly destructive.
- Example: In Uttarkashi, heavy rains triggered flash floods that devastated the village of Dharali, likely linked to a glacial lake outburst.
What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)?
- A GLOF occurs when a glacial lake—formed by melting glaciers—suddenly releases water due to the failure of its natural dam (made of ice or loose debris).
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Causes:
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- Melting glaciers due to global warming.
- Earthquakes or landslides destabilise the dam.
- Ice avalanches or heavy rainfall can increase water pressure.
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Consequences:
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- Sudden release of massive water volumes.
- Downstream flooding is often in steep mountainous terrain.
- It can destroy infrastructure, cause landslides, and lead to loss of life.
- High-Risk Areas: The Himalayas are particularly vulnerable, with over 189 glacial lakes identified as high risk by the NDMA. Notable GLOF events include:
- 2013 Kedarnath disaster (Chorabari Lake)
- 2023 Sikkim flood (South Lhonak Lake)
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