<–2/”>a >Flood is a natural disaster which can never be avoided, India being one of the worst flood hit tropical country in the world which causes huge economic and emotional losses. We cannot afford to ignore flood but we can manage it. Around 12% of the total area i.e. 40 million hectare is prone to flood. Out of which 25 million hectare is frequently prone to flood. 7.4 million hectare gets flooded every year. River water flooding and cloud burst, cyclonic rainfall are the major reason for heavy rainfall.
The flood prone regions are divided into three regions: (Draw MAP)
- Basin of Himalayan river: mostly in the state of UP,Bihar, and Assam
- Central and Peninsular river basin( Mahanadi and Orissa), Godavari, Gujarat particularly in mouth region of Mahi, Narmada etc. , Bhima, Krishna and Tunghbhadra
- River basin of Indus particularly in the state of Punjab where beas and satluj gets flooded more frequently.
Ill effects of flood:
- Economic loss:
- Crop failure, decline in agriculture productivity
- Inflationary, demand supply mismatch of essential commodities
- Loss of Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, additional burden of aftermath floods constructive and rehabilitative work
- Social loss:
- Loss of life, loss of cattle
- Loss of home, Flood leaves behind thousands of env. Refugees
- Out break of epidemics
- Out Migration of youth, dependency ration increases in rural areas.
- Social unrest and social conflicts increases.
Other effect – Ecological impact , and emotional impact
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Floods in India
Floods are a major NATURAL HAZARD that cause widespread damage and loss of life in India. The country is prone to floods due to its geographical location, monsoonal Climate, and high Population density.
The main causes of floods in India are:
- Heavy rainfall: India receives an Average annual rainfall of 1,100 mm, which is concentrated in the monsoon season from June to September. This heavy rainfall can cause rivers to overflow their banks and inundate surrounding areas.
- Deforestation: Deforestation leads to Soil erosion and makes the land more susceptible to flooding.
- Improper drainage: Improper Drainage Systems can lead to the accumulation of water in low-lying areas, which can cause flooding.
- Climate Change: Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events, including floods.
The consequences of floods in India are:
- Loss of life: Floods are one of the leading causes of death in India. In 2013, the Kedarnath floods killed over 1,000 people.
- Damage to property: Floods can cause extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The 2015 Chennai floods caused an estimated $2 billion in damage.
- Loss of livelihoods: Floods can disrupt agriculture and other industries, leading to job losses and economic hardship.
- Health problems: Floodwaters can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, which can cause diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
There are a number of measures that can be taken to prevent floods in India:
- Afforestation: Afforestation can help to prevent soil erosion and make the land less susceptible to flooding.
- Proper drainage: Proper drainage systems can help to prevent the accumulation of water in low-lying areas.
- Early warning systems: Early warning systems can help people to evacuate before floods occur.
- Disaster Management plans: Disaster management plans can help to ensure that Resources are available to respond to floods.
The government of India has taken a number of measures to prevent floods, including:
- Afforestation: The government has planted millions of trees in an effort to prevent soil erosion and make the land less susceptible to flooding.
- Proper drainage: The government has constructed drainage systems in many areas to prevent the accumulation of water in low-lying areas.
- Early warning systems: The government has installed early warning systems in many areas to help people evacuate before floods occur.
- Disaster management plans: The government has developed disaster management plans to ensure that resources are available to respond to floods.
Despite these measures, floods continue to be a major problem in India. In recent years, there have been a number of major floods that have caused widespread damage and loss of life. The government of India needs to continue to take measures to prevent floods and to mitigate the effects of floods when they do occur.
In addition to the measures taken by the government, there are a number of things that individuals can do to help prevent floods. These include:
- Not building homes in areas that are prone to flooding.
- Keeping drains clear.
- Not littering.
- Being aware of the risks of flooding and being prepared to evacuate if necessary.
By taking these measures, individuals can help to reduce the risk of flooding and the damage that it can cause.
What are the causes of floods in India?
Floods in India are caused by a number of factors, including:
- Heavy rainfall: India is a monsoonal country, which means that it experiences a large amount of rainfall during the monsoon season. This rainfall can cause rivers to overflow their banks and inundate surrounding areas.
- Melting snow: The Himalayas are home to some of the world’s largest Glaciers. When these glaciers melt, they can cause a sudden influx of water into rivers and streams, which can lead to flooding.
- Dam failures: Dams are built to control the flow of water in rivers. However, if a dam fails, it can release a large amount of water downstream, which can cause flooding.
- Human activity: Human activity, such as deforestation and Urbanization, can also contribute to flooding. Deforestation can lead to soil erosion, which can make it more difficult for the land to absorb water. Urbanization can lead to the construction of roads and buildings that can block the flow of water, which can also lead to flooding.
What are the consequences of floods in India?
Floods can have a devastating impact on people and property in India. Some of the consequences of floods include:
- Loss of life: Floods can cause drowning, electrocution, and other injuries.
- Damage to property: Floods can damage homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
- Loss of crops: Floods can destroy crops, which can lead to food shortages.
- Disease: Floods can spread diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and malaria.
- Displacement: Floods can force people to leave their homes and communities.
What are the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of floods in India?
The government of India has taken a number of steps to mitigate the impact of floods, including:
- Building dams and reservoirs: Dams and reservoirs can help to control the flow of water in rivers and streams.
- Reforestation: Reforestation can help to prevent soil erosion and improve the absorption of water by the land.
- Urban planning: Urban planning can help to ensure that new development does not contribute to flooding.
- Early warning systems: Early warning systems can help people to evacuate before floods occur.
- Disaster relief: The government provides disaster relief to help people who have been affected by floods.
What can individuals do to prepare for floods?
Individuals can take a number of steps to prepare for floods, including:
- Have a plan: Have a plan in place for what you will do if a flood occurs.
- Stock up on supplies: Stock up on food, water, and other supplies that you will need in case of a flood.
- Protect your property: Take steps to protect your home and belongings from flooding, such as installing flood barriers or elevating your home.
- Be prepared to evacuate: Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
What can individuals do to help others during floods?
Individuals can help others during floods by:
- Donating to relief organizations: Donate to relief organizations that are providing assistance to people who have been affected by floods.
- Volunteering: Volunteer your time to help with relief efforts.
- Donating blood: Donate blood to help people who have been injured in floods.
- Spreading awareness: Spread awareness about the dangers of floods and how to prepare for them.
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Which of the following is not a consequence of floods?
(A) Loss of life
(B) Damage to property
(C) Increased agricultural productivity
(D) Increased risk of disease -
Which of the following is the most common type of flood in India?
(A) Monsoon floods
(B) River floods
(C) Flash floods
(D) Coastal floods -
Which of the following is the most vulnerable state to floods in India?
(A) Uttar Pradesh
(B) Bihar
(C) Assam
(D) West Bengal -
Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent floods?
(A) Building dams
(B) Planting trees
(C) Raising awareness
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is the most effective way to mitigate the effects of floods?
(A) Building flood defences
(B) Evacuation
(C) Providing relief
(D) All of the above
Answers:
1. (C)
2. (B)
3. (B)
4. (D)
5. (D)
Floods are a major natural hazard in India, affecting millions of people every year. The most common type of flood in India is a monsoon flood, which occurs when heavy rains cause rivers to overflow their banks. River floods can also occur due to melting snow or ice in the Himalayas. Flash floods are a type of flood that occurs very quickly, often without warning, and can be caused by heavy rains, landslides, or dam failures. Coastal floods occur when high tides or storm surges cause seawater to inundate low-lying areas.
The consequences of floods can be devastating, including loss of life, damage to property, and increased risk of disease. Floods can also disrupt livelihoods and infrastructure, and can lead to long-term environmental damage.
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent and mitigate the effects of floods, including:
- Building dams and other flood defences
- Planting trees to help absorb rainwater
- Raising awareness about the risks of flooding
- Evacuation plans in place
- Providing relief to those affected by floods
By taking these measures, we can help to reduce the risk of flooding and its devastating consequences.