NATURAL HAZARD

<–2/”>a >The state of Jammu and Kashmir is very distinct from the rest of the country with respect to topography, Climate, economy, social setting and strategic location. The state is a multi hazard prone region with natural disasters like Earthquakes, floods , landslides, avalanches, high velocity winds, snow storms, besides manmade disasters including road accidents and fires etc. occurring in various parts of the state.

Some of the major hazards that happen or have the potential to occur can be classified as geological hazards, hydro-meteorological hazards, industrial hazards and biological hazards.

Earthquakes

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is the western most extension of the Himalayan mountain range in India. It is classified in Seismic Zone IV and V, with intensity MSK of VIII to IX or more.

Kashmir North and Kashmir South districts lie in Zone V. Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Jammu, Kathua, Leh, Ladakh and Tribal Territory districts lie in Zone IV. A major portion of districts in Jammu and Kashmir falls under seismic V zone. Regions in the following districts such as Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Ramban, Shopian and Srinagar districts occupy seismic V area and the remaining under seismic IV zone.

Landslides

Besides earthquakes, landslides are geological hazards that are common and peculiar to the region. In Jammu and Kashmir, the mass movement varies in magnitude from Soil creep to landslides. Solifluction is another type of mass movement that is common on the higher snow covered ranges of the state. Flash floods particularly in narrow river gorges are the cause of some of the major landslides in Jammu and Kashmir. These flash floods trigger landslides in the region eventually jeopardizing the stability of the hill as a whole.

The vulnerability of geologically young unstable and fragile rocks of the state has increased many times in the recent past due to various unscientific developmental activities. Deforestation, unscientific road construction and terracing, encroachment on steep hill slopes are anthropogenic activities which have increased the frequency and intensity of landslides.

Snow Avalanches, Snow Storm and Snow Fall

Avalanches, river like flow of snow or ice descending from mountain tops are common in the high ranges of Jammu and Kashmir specifically the higher reaches of Kashmir and Gurez valleys, Kargil and Ladakh. Some of the major roadways are highly vulnerable to avalanches in the state. It is very difficult to predict avalanches as they are rarely observed closely and normally occur during a short time period of one or two minutes. During winter, the valley of Kashmir receives the snow fall and rainfall from the winds arising from Mediterranean Sea. The degree of coolness is determined by the altitude of the zone.

Udhampur, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Leh, Bandipora, Kargil, Ganderbal, Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian, Kulgam are high impact avalanche prone districts in Jammu and Kashmir.

Windstorm

Windstorms are high velocity winds that sweep with a wind speed o f more than 55 km per hour. The windstorm occurrence in the state is mostly during spring and summer and often leads negative impact to lives and property. One of the major reasons for the catastrophe is due to the lack of early warning procedures and preparedness measures. Non availability of technical expert to aware the people to construct wind proof roof tops as well as the deficiency in building code standard also put the lives and property of people under risk.

Flash Floods

Flash floods, short lived extreme events, which usually occur under slowly moving or stationary thunderstorms, lasting less than 24 hours are common hazard events in the state. As a result of the high velocity of the current, which can wash away all obstacles in its way, this phenomenon has resulted in enormous loss of life and property in various parts of the region. Floods also occur in the summer when heavy rain is followed by a bright sun, which melts the snow. If an embankment is breached or topped, a district which is dry a few hours back could turn into a lake after a few hours.

Seventeen districts in the state such as Doda, Ganderbal, Samba, Pulwama, Kishtwar, Kathua, Ramban, Reasi, Bandipora, Leh, Srinagar, Shopian, Samba, Budgam, Udhampur, Kulgam and Rajouri are greatly affected by flash floods.

Cloudburst

Cloudburst is a disastrous weather condition caused by the downpour, over a small geographical area for a relatively short period. A cloudburst is construed by the meteorologist when there is an intense rainfall at a rate of 100 mm per hour. At the event of cloudburst, 20 mm of rain may fall in a few minutes. The heavy down power often leads to landslides, flashflood and pose threat to life and property. Topography of the state plays a crucial role in the formation of cloudburst. The hilly terrain of the state favors the formation of cumulonimbus cloud. This leads to the shedding of larger droplets of water at a higher rate, resulting in higher impact on the ground. Jammu and Kashmir State DM Plan Final Draft 27 Our preliminary analysis shows that the high impact areas in Jammu and Kashmir due to cloudburst are Budgam, Leh, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda, Reasi, Bandipora, Kulgam, Rajouri, and Srinagar districts.

Drought

The south-west monsoon plays a significant role in determining the sustenance of agriculture depended Population in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. More than 75 % of the populations in Jammu & Kashmir are directly or indirectly depended on agriculture for livelihood. The deficiency in monsoon rain quite often results in drought, affecting the livelihood of the rural population. The state is prone to deficient rainfall once in three years, putting lives of the majority of population at stake.

Biological Hazards

Biological hazards with respect to Jammu and Kashmir could be understood in terms of epidemics among humans, Livestock and pest and disease with respect to agriculture. The prevalence of livestock disease has been recorded in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Outbreaks normally occur during the post monsoon season. The prominent diseases reported are Black Quarter (BQ), Haemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), SG-POX and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Severe outbreaks were observed in Udhampur, Doda and Kathua districts. Pest related problems are another biological hazard prevalent in the state. Pest attack not only decreases the productivity of the fruits but also the quality of the fruits which in turn affect the livelihood of the people who depend on agriculture. The need to provide effective and ecological Sound insect and disease management is very essential.

Forest Fires

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is well endowed with forest Resources that play a significant role in protecting the ecosystem of the region. Forest occupies about 20,230 sq km of area in the Jammu and Kashmir State DM Plan Final Draft 33 state. They serves as a catchment for river basin which enhances the soil stability thus prevent soil erosion. Every year in Jammu and Kashmir, there is a high Probability of forest fire in the months of May and June. Though forests are prone to fire during the dry season, human activities such as military action, timber smuggling etc holds a huge responsibility for the onset of the fire. Forest cover in the districts of Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, Doda, Kupwara and Srinagar are areas that are prone to forest fire.

Industrial Hazards

There has not been any report of industrial hazards in the state. Industrial hazard principally consist of four hazards such as fire, explosion, toxic release and environmental damage. However, the state needs to be cautious of the industrial wastes that are disposed, which could have severe impact on the ECOLOGY and Health of the citizens in the state.

To achieve the vision of a safe and secure Jammu and Kashmir, the following current realities need to be understood, recognized and necessary corrective measures has to be taken.

A detailed Hazard Risk Vulnerability Atlas for the state of Jammu and Kashmir is essential.
Incorporation of building code while constructing new structures or retrofitting old ones.
Establishing reliable mechanism and expertise for assessing damage caused due to natural hazards.
Setting up efficient, operational EOCs at Jammu and Srinagar respectively, ensuring a very strong Network of coordinating authorities at all levels (State, District, Tehsil, Block level)
Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction in Development Planning
Strengthening professional expertise in dealing with disaster risk reduction specifically with respect to planning, logistic management, evacuation and shelter. • Operationalizing DM plan at the Tehsil and District level.
Strengthening Community based Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives.

Natural hazards are events that occur naturally in the Environment and can cause loss of life, damage to property, and disruption to Society. Some common natural hazards include avalanches, blizzards, droughts, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides, lightning, Tsunamis, tornadoes, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions.

Avalanches are large masses of snow that slide down a mountainside. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, including heavy snowfall, rain, or changes in temperature. Avalanches can travel at speeds of up to 300 miles per hour and can destroy everything in their path.

Blizzards are severe snowstorms that can cause whiteouts and make travel impossible. They can also cause power outages and damage to property.

Droughts are periods of time when there is little or no rain. They can cause crop failures, water shortages, and wildfires.

Earthquakes are Sudden Movements of the Earth’s crust that can cause shaking and damage to buildings and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE. They can also trigger landslides and tsunamis.

Floods are caused by excessive amounts of rain or snowmelt that cause rivers and streams to overflow their banks. They can damage property, destroy crops, and cause loss of life.

Hurricanes are large, rotating storms that form over warm ocean waters. They can cause high winds, heavy rains, and storm surges that can damage property and cause loss of life.

Landslides are the movement of large masses of earth down a slope. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including earthquakes, heavy rains, or deforestation. Landslides can damage property and cause loss of life.

Lightning is a discharge of electricity that occurs between clouds or between a cloud and the ground. It can cause fires, power outages, and injuries or death.

Tsunamis are large waves that are caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the ocean. They can travel at speeds of up to 500 miles per hour and can cause widespread damage when they reach land.

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that form from thunderstorms. They can cause high winds, hail, and damage to property.

Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that spread through forests or other areas of vegetation. They can cause damage to property, loss of life, and Air Pollution.

Volcanic eruptions are the release of molten rock, ash, and gas from a volcano. They can cause damage to property, loss of life, and air pollution.

Natural hazards can have a devastating impact on people and property. It is important to be aware of the risks posed by natural hazards and to take steps to protect yourself and your family.

There are a number of things you can do to prepare for a natural hazard, including:

Make a plan. Know what you will do if a natural hazard strikes.
Have a survival kit. This should include food, water, first-aid supplies, and other essentials.
Stay informed. Monitor the weather and be aware of potential hazards.
Be prepared to evacuate. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.

Natural hazards are a fact of life. By being prepared, you can reduce the risk of injury or death and help to protect your property.

What is a natural hazard?

A natural hazard is a naturally occurring event that can cause loss of life, damage to property, and disruption of society. Some examples of natural hazards include earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires.

What are the different types of natural hazards?

There are many different types of natural hazards, but they can be broadly categorized into four groups: geophysical hazards, hydrological hazards, meteorological hazards, and biological hazards.

Geophysical hazards are caused by the movement of the Earth’s crust. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides are all examples of geophysical hazards.

Hydrological hazards are caused by the movement of water. Floods, tsunamis, and droughts are all examples of hydrological hazards.

Meteorological hazards are caused by the Atmosphere. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards are all examples of meteorological hazards.

Biological hazards are caused by living organisms. Diseases, such as malaria and yellow fever, are examples of biological hazards.

What are the causes of natural hazards?

The causes of natural hazards are complex and vary depending on the type of hazard. However, some of the most common causes of natural hazards include:

Plate tectonics: The movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates can cause earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.
Climate Change: Climate change can lead to more extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes.
Human activity: Human activity can also contribute to natural hazards, such as deforestation, which can increase the risk of landslides, and pollution, which can worsen air quality and make people more vulnerable to respiratory problems.

What are the effects of natural hazards?

The effects of natural hazards can be devastating. They can cause loss of life, damage to property, and disruption of society. Some of the most common effects of natural hazards include:

Death and injury: Natural hazards can kill people directly, such as when they are struck by falling debris or drowned in a flood. They can also cause injuries, such as when people are hit by flying objects or suffer from broken bones in a landslide.
Property damage: Natural hazards can damage or destroy homes, businesses, and other infrastructure. This can lead to significant financial losses.
Social disruption: Natural hazards can disrupt society by causing widespread displacement, damage to infrastructure, and loss of life. This can lead to economic hardship, social unrest, and political instability.

How can we mitigate the effects of natural hazards?

There are a number of things that can be done to mitigate the effects of natural hazards. Some of the most effective mitigation strategies include:

Building codes: Building codes can help to ensure that new buildings are constructed to withstand the effects of natural hazards.
Land use planning: Land use planning can help to reduce the risk of natural hazards by preventing development in areas that are at high risk.
Early warning systems: Early warning systems can help to save lives by giving people time to evacuate before a natural hazard strikes.
Disaster preparedness: Disaster preparedness can help to reduce the impact of natural hazards by ensuring that people have the supplies and skills they need to survive and recover.

What is the future of natural hazards?

The future of natural hazards is uncertain. However, it is likely that the frequency and intensity of natural hazards will increase in the future due to climate change. This means that it is more important than ever to take steps to mitigate the effects of natural hazards.

Which of the following is not a type of natural hazard?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) War
Which of the following is the most common type of natural hazard?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most deadly type of natural hazard?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tsunami
Which of the following is the most destructive type of natural hazard?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most expensive type of natural hazard?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tsunami
Which of the following is the most common type of natural hazard in the United States?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most deadly type of natural hazard in the United States?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most destructive type of natural hazard in the United States?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most expensive type of natural hazard in the United States?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most common type of natural hazard in the world?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most deadly type of natural hazard in the world?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most destructive type of natural hazard in the world?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most expensive type of natural hazard in the world?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most common type of natural hazard in Asia?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most deadly type of natural hazard in Asia?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most destructive type of natural hazard in Asia?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most expensive type of natural hazard in Asia?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most common type of natural hazard in Europe?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most deadly type of natural hazard in Europe?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most destructive type of natural hazard in Europe?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most expensive type of natural hazard in Europe?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most common type of natural hazard in Africa?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most deadly type of natural hazard in Africa?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most destructive type of natural hazard in Africa?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which of the following is the most expensive type of natural hazard in Africa?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Volcanic eruption
(C) Hurricane
(D) Tornado
Which