<–2/”>a >The State of Punjab suffers mainly from two natural hazards, namely, flood and Earthquakes, of which floods have quite a high frequency of occurrence, whereas earthquakes of M > 5.0 have a moderate frequency within and close to the boundary of the State. Theoretically risk is said to be the product of hazard and vulnerability of that region. In Disaster Management, risk is measured in terms of expected loss of human lives, loss of capital, property like agricultural land, roads, structures, Livestock etc. Hazard is potentially a damaging physical event, phenomenon or human activity that may cause the loss of life or injury, property damage, social and economic disruption or Environmental Degradation. Hazards can include latent conditions that may represent future threats and can have different origins: natural (geological, hydro meteorological and biological) or induced by human processes (environmental degradation and technological hazards). Hazards can be single, sequential or combined in their origin and effects. Each hazard is characterized by its location, intensity, frequency and Probability. Vulnerability is the internal weakness of a system from external threats and in disaster perspective it is the conditions determined by physical, social, economic, and environmental factors or processes, which increase the susceptibility of a community to the impact of hazards. It is the degree of loss (from 0 to 100 per cent) resulting from a potentially damaging phenomenon. It is the degree to which a person, system or unit is likely to experience harm due to exposure to perturbations or stresses. Risk is the probability of harmful consequences, or expected losses (deaths, injuries, property, livelihoods, economic activity disrupted or Environment damaged) resulting from interactions between natural or human-induced hazards and vulnerable conditions.
A hazard becomes a disaster only when it affects human settlements and causes loss of life and damage to property. In order to reduce the impact of such events through mitigation efforts, it is necessary to understand how such hazards become disasters. The extent of vulnerability of the area, people and property to a hazard or the probability of its occurrence defines the extent of risk. Vulnerability analysis and risk assessment therefore are essential forerunners for evolving appropriate preventive measures and mitigation strategies.
The process of conducting a risk analysis is based on a review of both the technical features of hazards such as their location, intensity, frequency and probability; and also the analysis of the physical, social, economic and environmental dimensions of vulnerability and exposure. Punjab is vulnerable to 21 types of hazards out of 33 identified by the High Powered Committee (HPC) of Government of India into 5 sub-groups. In addition to hazards by HPC, state has high impact of Groundwater and Surface Water Pollution, depletion of groundwater level and cancer epidemic which needs to be addressed as hazard.
Hydro-meteorological Disasters
Flood:-
A major part of geographical area of the state is prone to floods although substantial part has been protected through flood control measures. Nevertheless, the protected area also faces risk, although in reduced magnitude, because of possibility of flood in case of failure of protection works.
The district wise damage risk tables show high to very high from flood to a large number of houses and medium risks to many houses in the protected area from the consideration of possibility of failure of flood control works in extreme floods. As per records, about 62,000 houses are damaged due to floods annually on an Average. The maximum damage of 627000 houses was reported in floods of 1955. Amongst all the natural disasters afflicting the State, floods are the most frequent and devastating. Almost 80% of the annual rainfall is concentrated over a short monsoon period of 3 months.
In Punjab, damages due to floods are caused mainly by the river Ravi, Sutlej and Ghaggar, which have a common delta where floodwaters intermingle, and, when in spate simultaneously, wreaks considerable havoc. The problem is further accentuated when flood synchronises with high tide. The silt deposited constantly by these rivers in the delta area raises the bed levels and the rivers often overflow their banks or break through new channels causing heavy damages.
The Water table is rising in South-western districts of the state due to limited or non-extraction of groundwater because of blackish/saline quality, which makes it unfit for domestic, Irrigation and other purposes. This has caused water logging in some parts of this area. In the Nineteen Fifties, the sub-Soil water level in the South Western districts, mainly in the Muktsar, Malout and Abohar tracts, was about 33 meters below ground level. After the construction of twin canals i.e. Rajasthan Canal feeder and Sirhind Canal feeder, in addition to Abohar Branch and Bikaner Canal, the sub-soil water level started rising at the rate of 0.2 metre to 1.0 metre annually. The area has witnesses a rise in water level upto 22 meter in the last 25 years. The main reason of water logging is non-extraction of underground water, which is blackish/ saline. The topography of the entire area of Muktsar and Malout, which is saucer shape and impedes surface Drainage System both natural and artificial, the constant seepage from the twin canals and return flow from Canal Irrigation, are some of the other contributory factors towards creating water logging problem. The Water table is rising in south-western Districts of the state due to limited or non-extraction of groundwater because of blackish/saline quality, which makes it unfit for domestic, irrigation and other purposes. This has caused waterlogging problem in Kahnuwan Bet Area in district Gurdaspur, Chamkaur Sahib and Sri Anandpur Sahib Block in district Ropar.
Drought:-
State of Punjab includes lack of potable water for residents and crop failure due to lack of water for irrigation. Secondary impacts include damage to the agriculture and tourism sectors of the economy.
The primary causes of drought include low rainfall or inadequate snow pack the preceding winter. However, other factors may also contribute to drought conditions including land degradation and an increase in water demand. An increase in water demand may be a result of increased Population or Industry, but can also result from water used for fire fighting. Technological failure of human-built water supply systems can also lead to drought like conditions, though this is often of a localized nature.
Desertification is a process whereby the productivity of the land declines because of deforestation, over-cultivation, drought, over-grazing, poor irrigation methods, Salinization, soil erosion and changes in rainfall patterns. Desertification is a longterm process in terms of its development and impacts but its consequences are drought, famine and dying animals. A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report states that about 12% of Punjab state suffers from the threat of desertification. Today, India and Pakistan both face the threat of desertification in the semi-arid zone of Punjab. Land has been intensively cultivated under the Green Revolution at the expense of grazing and traditional fallow periods. The desertification of Punjab is proceeding (and will increase with Climate change) due to the excessive use of Fertilizers and improper irrigation techniques without proper long-term soil conservation strategy.
Soil Erosion:-
Soil erosion is the removal of the topsoil layer or soil particles by physical or human activities. This is a result of the absence of vegetative cover and moisture. Intensive cultivation, deforestation and destruction of the natural vegetation by grazing or other means will increase soil erosion. It is estimated that 3,000 hectares of cultivated land are lost to erosion in Punjab province annually. The Kandi tract in Rupnagar district of Punjab state has undulating topography, inadequate ground water, steep slopes, bare land surfaces and, thus, severe problems of soil erosion. Soil erosion can result in landslides, flash floods and the silting of water channels and Dams downstream.
Punjab is facing very serious problem of soil erosion by water. It is serious menace in the Shivaliks and Kandi region, along the river courses, streams and choes and in the south western arid and hot region.
It is more prevalent in Gurdaspur, Nawashehar, Hoshiarpur and Ropar districts of north-eastern of Punjab where water erosion by various choes and streams is much more and is aggravated by the loose structure and softness of rocks, steep slopes, deforestation overgrazing and various cultural and economic activities of man.
In sub-mountain region of Punjab, runoff is one of the major modes of escape of rainwater received in the area
The runoff carries along with it upper fertile soil rich in applied nutrients, thereby decreasing productivity of the soil. The whole Kandi region have been rendered infertile and dissected and are prone to flooding by hundreds of choes that transverse the districts of Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Nawashehar and Ropar from Shiavilks to the flat alluvial plains.,
Punjab is a state in northwestern India. It is bordered by the states of Haryana to the south, Himachal Pradesh to the east, Jammu and Kashmir to the northeast, and the Pakistani provinces of Punjab to the west and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the northwest. The state has a population of over 28 million people and a land area of over 50,000 square kilometers.
Punjab is a land of contrasts. It is home to both the snow-capped Mountains of the Himalayas and the hot, dry plains of the Thar Desert. The state is also home to a diverse range of cultures, including Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu.
Punjab is a major agricultural state. It is the world’s largest producer of wheat and rice. The state is also home to a number of industries, including textiles, engineering, and pharmaceuticals.
Punjab is a beautiful and diverse state with a rich history and culture. However, it is also a state that is prone to natural hazards.
The most common natural hazards in Punjab are earthquakes, floods, droughts, heat waves, dust storms, landslides, wildfires, epidemics, and Tsunamis.
Earthquakes are a major concern in Punjab. The state is located in a seismically active region and is prone to earthquakes of moderate to high intensity. The most recent major earthquake in Punjab occurred in 1905 and had a magnitude of 7.7. The earthquake caused widespread damage and loss of life.
Floods are another major NATURAL HAZARD in Punjab. The state is located in a region that is prone to monsoonal rains. These rains can cause rivers to overflow their banks and inundate large areas of land. The most recent major flood in Punjab occurred in 2014 and affected over 10 million people.
Droughts are also a major concern in Punjab. The state is located in a region that is prone to droughts. These droughts can cause crop failures and water shortages. The most recent major drought in Punjab occurred in 2002 and affected over 20 million people.
Heat waves are another major natural hazard in Punjab. The state is located in a region that is prone to heat waves. These heat waves can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and death. The most recent major heat wave in Punjab occurred in 2015 and killed over 2,000 people.
Dust storms are another major natural hazard in Punjab. The state is located in a region that is prone to dust storms. These dust storms can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and skin problems. The most recent major dust storm in Punjab occurred in 2018 and affected over 10 million people.
Landslides are another major natural hazard in Punjab. The state is located in a region that is prone to landslides. These landslides can cause damage to Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE and loss of life. The most recent major landslide in Punjab occurred in 2013 and killed over 100 people.
Wildfires are another major natural hazard in Punjab. The state is located in a region that is prone to wildfires. These wildfires can cause damage to forests and crops. The most recent major wildfire in Punjab occurred in 2016 and affected over 10,000 hectares of land.
Epidemics are another major natural hazard in Punjab. The state is located in a region that is prone to epidemics. These epidemics can cause widespread illness and death. The most recent major epidemic in Punjab occurred in 2017 and affected over 1 million people.
Tsunamis are another major natural hazard in Punjab. The state is located in a region that is prone to tsunamis. These tsunamis can cause widespread damage and loss of life. The most recent major tsunami in Punjab occurred in 2004 and killed over 10,000 people.
Punjab is a state that is prone to a number of natural hazards. These natural hazards can cause widespread damage and loss of life. It is important to be aware of these natural hazards and to take steps to prepare for them.
There are a number of things that can be done to prepare for natural hazards in Punjab. These include:
- Building strong and resilient infrastructure
- Developing early warning systems
- Educating the public about natural hazards
- Creating disaster preparedness plans
- Investing in disaster relief and recovery efforts
By taking these steps, Punjab can reduce the risk of natural disasters and the impact of these disasters when they do occur.
What are the natural hazards in Punjab?
Punjab is a state in northwestern India that is prone to a number of natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, droughts, and heat waves.
What are the effects of natural hazards in Punjab?
The effects of natural hazards in Punjab can be devastating, causing loss of life, property damage, and disruption to livelihoods. In recent years, the state has experienced a number of major natural disasters, including the 2005 earthquake, the 2013 floods, and the 2015 heat wave. These disasters have caused widespread damage and suffering, and have had a significant impact on the state’s economy and development.
What are the government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of natural hazards in Punjab?
The government of Punjab has taken a number of steps to mitigate the effects of natural hazards, including:
- Investing in early warning systems and disaster preparedness measures
- Building infrastructure to withstand natural disasters
- Providing financial assistance to those affected by disasters
- Promoting awareness about natural hazards and disaster preparedness
These efforts have helped to reduce the impact of natural disasters in Punjab, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety and security of the state’s population.
What can individuals do to prepare for natural hazards in Punjab?
There are a number of things that individuals can do to prepare for natural hazards in Punjab, including:
- Building a disaster kit that includes food, water, and other essential supplies
- Having a plan for evacuation in case of a disaster
- Staying informed about weather forecasts and warnings
- Being aware of the risks of natural hazards in your area
- Taking steps to reduce your risk of exposure to natural hazards, such as by building a strong home or planting trees to protect your property from flooding
By taking these steps, you can help to protect yourself and your family from the effects of natural hazards in Punjab.
1. Which of the following is not a natural hazard?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) War
2. Which of the following is the most common natural hazard in Punjab?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
3. Which of the following is the most destructive natural hazard in Punjab?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
4. Which of the following is the most deadly natural hazard in Punjab?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
5. Which of the following is the most expensive natural hazard in Punjab?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
6. Which of the following is the most preventable natural hazard in Punjab?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
7. Which of the following is the most predictable natural hazard in Punjab?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
8. Which of the following is the most common natural hazard in the world?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
9. Which of the following is the most destructive natural hazard in the world?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
10. Which of the following is the most deadly natural hazard in the world?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
11. Which of the following is the most expensive natural hazard in the world?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
12. Which of the following is the most preventable natural hazard in the world?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
13. Which of the following is the most predictable natural hazard in the world?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
14. Which of the following is the most common natural hazard in Asia?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
15. Which of the following is the most destructive natural hazard in Asia?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
16. Which of the following is the most deadly natural hazard in Asia?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
17. Which of the following is the most expensive natural hazard in Asia?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
18. Which of the following is the most preventable natural hazard in Asia?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
19. Which of the following is the most predictable natural hazard in Asia?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
20. Which of the following is the most common natural hazard in India?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
21. Which of the following is the most destructive natural hazard in India?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
22. Which of the following is the most deadly natural hazard in India?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
23. Which of the following is the most expensive natural hazard in India?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
24. Which of the following is the most preventable natural hazard in India?
(A) Earthquake
(B) Flood
(C) Drought
(D) Tsunami
25. Which of the following is the most predictable natural hazard in India?
(A) Earthquake