Natural hazards and related issues of Meghalaya

As the State lies in the seismically active zone, special emphasis should be given to reduce the impacts of earthquake. Moreover, it is also affected by hazards such as floods, flash floods, epidemics, fire, hailstorm, lightening, road accidents, etc.

Earthquake

The State of Meghalaya has witnessed seismic events of ‘8.7 magnitude in 1897’. This region has been identified as a potential site of a future catastrophic earthquake. With the Growth of Population and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE seismic vulnerability has increased and previous Earthquakes have provided a glimpse of the devastating potential of seismic tremors.

Cyclones-2/”>Cyclones

Meghalaya is situated in the north eastern direction of Bangladesh which is highly prone to cyclone/ winds. Every year about 60% of the area is affected by cyclone in Bangladesh. The Districts of West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills may experience a wind speed of up to 55m/s. Occasional cyclones do occur in western Meghalaya their severity being more during monsoon season. The Districts close to Bangladesh like South West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, fall in very high cyclonic zone due to close proximity to Bay of Bengal (which is a cyclone basin). In this zone wind speed can reach up-to 50 m/s, which can cause large scale damages. The Bay of Bengal accounts for seven percent of the annual Tropical Cyclone activity worldwide; the recorded frequency of cyclones per year along the Bay of Bengal is four and inevitably one of the four transforms into a severe cyclone causing human and property losses

Floods

The State with hilly terrain does not suffer from a major problem from floods, However, due to heavy rain, flash floods may be caused resulting in river bank erosion and some local damage. In Meghalaya, floods occur in river valleys, when flow exceeds the capacity of the river channel, particularly at bends or meanders. The plain areas of Meghalaya adjoining Assam are affected by flood due to the back flow of water from the River Brahmaputra during the flood season between June and October. The tributaries like Krishnai, Jinari, Jingjiram, Rongai, Dudhnoi, Ringgi, Gohai, Dilni etc cause flood in the plain areas of the State.

Landsides

Meghalaya being a hilly terrain is prone to landslides. Every year a number of landslides have been reported from various localities. These cause a lot of miseries to public, resulting in loss of lives and properties, disruption of Communication Network, besides causing economic burden on the Society. Landslide is primarily attributed to high slope, immature geology, neo-tectonic activity, heavy rainfall, unplanned and improper land use practice in the State. Landslides generally occur during heavy rains, that is during the months of June to October in Meghalaya.

Southern part of Meghalaya is more susceptible to Landslides than the Northern Part. National Highways like Bajengdoba-Tura-Dalu, Damra–Siju-Baghmara, Guwahati – Shillong- Tamabil, and Shillong- Jowai- Badarpur are prone to landslides.

Landslide occurred frequently at Sonapur on Shillong- Jowai- Badarpur Road, but now the problem has been mitigated by constructing a tunnel for the vehicular traffic. Urban areas of Shillong and Tura, Jowai are also prone to landslides due to the faulty Construction of Houses and rapid Urbanization.

Lightning and Hailstorms

Lightning occurs during the monsoon months and can strike at any place. Hailstorm generally occurs in the pre and post monsoon months. Some loss of crops lives and properties due to lightning and hailstorms are reported in the state.

Hazard Specific Mitigation Plan

The State Disaster Management Authority was established in the State under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister with 8 other members under section 14 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 by a Government notification dated 26th June, 2008. It is the apex body for disaster management in the State.

The State Executive Committee headed by the Chief Secretary with 4 other Secretaries as members was also set up to assist the State Disaster Management Authority in the performance of its functions.

The District Disaster Management Authorities under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioners and Chief Executive Members of the District Councils as Co-Chairmen with 5 District Officials as members were also set up for the better management of disasters in the Districts.

Similarly at the Block and Village levels Block Disaster Management Committee and the Village Disaster Management Committee were set up headed by the respective Block Development Officers and the Village Headmen. The State Disaster Management Authority, has set uMock drill by NGO’sMock drill by NGO’sp a State Disaster Management Secretariat in 2010 which is located in the Office of the Director of Land Records and Surveys, Lower Lachumere, Shillong. The day to day functioning of the SDMA is looked after by the Executive Officer of the Secretariat.

Functions of SDMA

Framing of Disaster Management Policy and the preparation of the State Disaster Management Plan, reviewing the preparedness, prevention, mitigation and capacity building measures in the State.

Activities of SDMA

The preparedness, prevention, mitigation and capacity building programmes.

The Disaster Risk Reduction Project funded by the UNDP which focuses on the awareness programmes, capacity building, strengthening of the disaster management institutions are being implemented in the three districts of East Khasi Hills. West Garo Hills and the Jaintia Hills, While the Urban Risk Reduction Programme is being implemented in the capital city Shillong through the SDMA Secretariat the Capacity Building Programme is under the 13th Finance Commission. Besides, Hazard Risk Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA) will also be carried out for the Shillong city and the West Garo Hills through North Eastern Space Application Centre, Umiam.

State Disaster Response Fund is available for management of disasters in the State. An advance amount from the fund is made available to the Deputy Commissioners to meet any emergency arising out of disasters.

Natural disasters are events that are caused by the forces of nature. They can be sudden and unpredictable, and they can cause widespread damage and loss of life. Some of the most common natural disasters include landslides, flash floods, earthquakes, wildfires, droughts, Tsunamis, Acid Rain, Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Soil erosion, deforestation, Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity loss, Climate change, human-wildlife conflict, social unrest, economic losses, infrastructure damage, loss of life, psychological trauma, Environmental Degradation, and loss of cultural heritage.

Landslides are a type of natural disaster that occurs when a mass of earth and rock moves down a slope. Landslides can be caused by a number of factors, including heavy rains, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. They can also be caused by human activities, such as deforestation and mining. Landslides can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, and they can also result in loss of life.

Flash floods are a type of natural disaster that occurs when a large amount of water flows quickly over a land surface. Flash floods can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, or dam failures. They can also be caused by human activities, such as deforestation and development in floodplains. Flash floods can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, and they can also result in loss of life.

Earthquakes are a type of natural disaster that occurs when the Earth’s crust moves. Earthquakes can be caused by a number of factors, including tectonic plate movement, volcanic activity, and landslides. They can also be caused by human activities, such as nuclear testing. Earthquakes can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, and they can also result in loss of life.

Wildfires are a type of natural disaster that occurs when a large area of land is engulfed in flames. Wildfires can be caused by a number of factors, including lightning strikes, human carelessness, and arson. They can also be caused by Climate Change, which is making the conditions more favorable for wildfires to occur. Wildfires can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, and they can also result in loss of life.

Droughts are a type of natural disaster that occurs when an area experiences a prolonged period of below-Average rainfall. Droughts can be caused by a number of factors, including climate change, El NiÃ±o, and La NiÃ±a. They can also be caused by human activities, such as deforestation and Irrigation. Droughts can cause significant damage to agriculture, and they can also lead to water shortages and famine.

Tsunamis are a type of natural disaster that occurs when a large body of water, such as an ocean, is displaced by an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide. Tsunamis can travel at speeds of up to 800 kilometers per hour, and they can cause significant damage to coastal areas. Tsunamis can also result in loss of life.

Acid rain is a type of natural disaster that occurs when air pollution combines with water vapor in the Atmosphere to form acids. Acid rain can cause significant damage to forests, lakes, and crops. It can also corrode buildings and infrastructure.

Air pollution is a type of natural disaster that occurs when harmful substances are released into the atmosphere. Air pollution can cause a number of Health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. It can also damage the Environment, leading to climate change and acid rain.

Water pollution is a type of natural disaster that occurs when harmful substances are released into water bodies. Water pollution can cause a number of health problems, including gastrointestinal problems, reproductive problems, and neurological problems. It can also damage the environment, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic life.

Soil erosion is a type of natural disaster that occurs when the topsoil is removed from the land. Soil erosion can be caused by a number of factors, including wind, water, and human activities. It can lead to a loss of fertility, making it difficult to grow crops. Soil erosion can also lead to flooding and landslides.

Deforestation is a type of natural disaster that occurs when trees are cut down from an area. Deforestation can be caused by a number of factors, including logging, agriculture, and development. It can lead to a loss of biodiversity, climate change, and soil erosion.

Biodiversity loss is a type of natural disaster that occurs when the variety of life on Earth decreases. Biodiversity loss can be caused by a number of factors, including habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. It can lead to a number of problems, including the extinction of species, the disruption of Ecosystems, and the loss of ecosystem Services.

Climate change is a type of natural disaster that occurs when the Earth’s climate changes. Climate change can be caused by a number of factors, including human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels. It can lead to a number of problems, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the loss of biodiversity.

What are the natural hazards in Meghalaya?

Meghalaya is prone to a number of natural hazards, including landslides, floods, and earthquakes. Landslides are the most common NATURAL HAZARD in Meghalaya, and they are caused by a number of factors, including heavy rainfall, deforestation, and mining. Floods are also a major problem in Meghalaya, and they are caused by heavy rainfall and the overflowing of rivers. Earthquakes are less common in Meghalaya, but they can still cause significant damage.

What are the related issues of natural hazards in Meghalaya?

The natural hazards in Meghalaya have a number of related issues, including loss of life, property damage, and displacement. Landslides can cause entire villages to be buried, and they can also block roads and railways. Floods can inundate entire towns and villages, and they can also damage crops and Livestock. Earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse, and they can also trigger landslides.

What are the government’s efforts to address the natural hazards in Meghalaya?

The government of Meghalaya has taken a number of steps to address the natural hazards in the state. These include:

Building Dams and reservoirs to control flooding
Reforestation to prevent landslides
Earthquake-proofing buildings
Providing disaster relief to those affected by natural disasters

What can individuals do to prepare for natural hazards in Meghalaya?

Individuals can prepare for natural hazards in Meghalaya by:

Having a disaster plan in place
Stocking up on emergency supplies
Knowing the evacuation routes
Being aware of the warning signs
Staying calm and following instructions from emergency personnel

Which of the following is not a natural hazard in Meghalaya?
(A) Earthquakes
(B) Landslides
(C) Floods
(D) Droughts
Which of the following is the most common natural hazard in Meghalaya?
(A) Earthquakes
(B) Landslides
(C) Floods
(D) Droughts
Which of the following is the most destructive natural hazard in Meghalaya?
(A) Earthquakes
(B) Landslides
(C) Floods
(D) Droughts
Which of the following is the most common cause of landslides in Meghalaya?
(A) Heavy rainfall
(B) Deforestation
(C) Mining
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is the most common cause of floods in Meghalaya?
(A) Heavy rainfall
(B) Deforestation
(C) Mining
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is the most common cause of droughts in Meghalaya?
(A) Low rainfall
(B) Deforestation
(C) Mining
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent landslides in Meghalaya?
(A) Reforestation
(B) Soil conservation
(C) Landslide control measures
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent floods in Meghalaya?
(A) Flood control measures
(B) Drainage System
(C) River management
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent droughts in Meghalaya?
(A) Water conservation
(B) Irrigation system
(C) Rainwater harvesting
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is the most important thing to do in case of a natural hazard in Meghalaya?
(A) Stay calm and follow the instructions of the authorities.
(B) Do not panic and try to help others.
(C) Take shelter in a safe place.
(D) All of the above.