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The recent deluge in Jammu and Kashmir has unleashed a cascade of problems, severely disrupting normal life and triggering a state of heightened alert. The incessant rainfall, which has plagued the region for three consecutive days, has led to a landslide near the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, forcing the suspension of the pilgrimage. This incident, coupled with widespread flooding and infrastructure damage, underscores the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and highlights the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. The immediate impact has been felt by pilgrims and travelers alike, with the yatra to the Vaishno Devi shrine suspended and approximately ten trains cancelled, leaving many stranded. The 250-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a vital artery connecting the region, has also been shut down due to landslides and shooting stones at several locations, further exacerbating the disruption. The situation is particularly dire in low-lying and hilly areas, where swollen rivers, frequent landslides, and flash floods have become a common occurrence. The sheer scale of the disruption is evident in the extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and residential buildings. A bridge over the Sahar Khad river in Kathua was severely damaged, disrupting traffic on the Jammu-Pathankot Highway, a crucial trade and transport route. In Doda, a massive cloudburst triggered flash floods, bringing normal life to a standstill and forcing the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The relentless rainfall has also pushed rivers and streams above or close to their danger marks, with the Modhopur barrage in Kathua crossing the one lakh cusec mark, leading to flooding in low-lying areas along the Ravi river. The Tawi river in Udhampur rose above the 20-foot danger level, while the Chenab river swelled to 899.3 meters, nearing its warning threshold. The human cost of this natural disaster is also significant. Three people have already lost their lives due to the rains, and several residential houses, a cow shed, and a private health centre have been damaged. The Meteorological Department (MET) has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu and moderate to heavy showers in South Kashmir until August 27, further raising concerns about the potential for more widespread damage and loss of life. The advisory highlights risks of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in hilly terrain, along with waterlogging in low-lying areas. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid rivers, streams, and landslide-prone slopes. The Jammu Divisional Commissioner has issued district-wise helpline numbers to provide assistance and support to those affected by the rains. The water levels of the Basantar, Tawi, and Chenab rivers are at alert level, and residents and visitors are advised to stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone areas. The current situation is not an isolated incident. On August 17, seven people were killed and 11 injured in a cloudburst in Kathua district, which also caused massive flooding and landslides, damaging infrastructure. Another cloudburst during the Machail Mata Yatra on August 14 in Kishtwar triggered flash floods, leaving at least 55 people dead. These recurring events highlight the increasing vulnerability of the Jammu and Kashmir region to climate change and the urgent need for more proactive and comprehensive disaster management strategies. The government needs to invest in infrastructure improvements, including better drainage systems and flood control measures, to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. Early warning systems need to be strengthened to provide timely alerts to residents in vulnerable areas, allowing them to evacuate before disaster strikes. Public awareness campaigns are also essential to educate people about the risks of landslides and flash floods and how to protect themselves in the event of a disaster. Furthermore, sustainable land management practices are crucial to prevent deforestation and soil erosion, which contribute to the increased risk of landslides. The region's unique geographical location and climatic conditions make it particularly susceptible to natural disasters. The high altitude, steep slopes, and fragile ecosystem contribute to the vulnerability of the region to landslides and flash floods. The changing climate, with its more frequent and intense rainfall events, is further exacerbating the problem. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach that involves government agencies, local communities, and non-governmental organizations working together to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The immediate priority is to provide assistance to those affected by the current floods and landslides. This includes providing food, shelter, medical care, and other essential supplies to those who have been displaced from their homes. Rescue operations need to continue to locate and rescue any people who may be trapped or injured. The government also needs to provide financial assistance to those who have lost their homes or livelihoods. In the long term, the focus needs to be on building a more resilient and sustainable future for the region. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements, strengthening early warning systems, promoting sustainable land management practices, and educating the public about the risks of natural disasters. The challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir are significant, but they are not insurmountable. With a concerted effort from all stakeholders, it is possible to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the region. The recent events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for more proactive and comprehensive disaster management strategies. It is imperative that the government, local communities, and non-governmental organizations work together to address this challenge and build a more resilient future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are only expected to increase in the coming years, making it even more important to take action now to protect the region from future disasters. The lessons learned from the current situation should be used to inform and improve disaster management strategies in the future. The focus should be on prevention, preparedness, and response. Prevention involves taking steps to reduce the risk of disasters, such as investing in infrastructure improvements and promoting sustainable land management practices. Preparedness involves developing plans and procedures to respond to disasters, such as strengthening early warning systems and training emergency responders. Response involves taking action to help those affected by disasters, such as providing food, shelter, and medical care. By taking these steps, it is possible to reduce the impact of disasters and protect the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir has been tested time and time again. They have faced numerous challenges, including natural disasters, political instability, and economic hardship. Despite these challenges, they have always shown great strength and determination. They are a resilient people who are committed to building a better future for their region. The government and the international community must support them in their efforts. Together, they can overcome the challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir and build a more resilient and sustainable future for the region.
The recurring nature of these calamities in Jammu and Kashmir warrants a deeper examination of the underlying factors contributing to their increased frequency and intensity. While the immediate trigger is often heavy rainfall or cloudbursts, the vulnerability of the region is exacerbated by several interconnected issues. Deforestation, driven by unsustainable logging practices and land encroachment, has significantly reduced the region's natural ability to absorb rainfall and prevent soil erosion. This, in turn, increases the risk of landslides and flash floods. The construction of roads and infrastructure projects without proper environmental impact assessments has also contributed to the destabilization of slopes and the disruption of natural drainage patterns. The lack of adequate urban planning and infrastructure in many towns and cities in Jammu and Kashmir further compounds the problem. Inadequate drainage systems and poorly constructed buildings increase the risk of flooding and damage during heavy rainfall. The changing climate is also playing a significant role. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are leading to more frequent and intense rainfall events, as well as an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods. Addressing these underlying issues requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that involves not only government agencies but also local communities, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Sustainable land management practices need to be promoted, including reforestation, soil conservation, and watershed management. Environmental impact assessments need to be conducted for all major development projects, and construction practices need to be adapted to the region's unique geological and climatic conditions. Urban planning and infrastructure development need to be prioritized, with a focus on improving drainage systems, constructing flood-resistant buildings, and promoting sustainable transportation. Climate change mitigation and adaptation measures need to be implemented, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and developing climate-resilient infrastructure. Education and awareness campaigns need to be conducted to inform the public about the risks of natural disasters and how to protect themselves. Local communities need to be empowered to participate in disaster preparedness and response efforts. In addition to these long-term measures, there is also a need for more immediate action to improve disaster response capabilities. This includes strengthening early warning systems, training emergency responders, and stocking emergency supplies. The government also needs to establish clear lines of communication and coordination between different agencies involved in disaster response. The recent floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir have exposed the vulnerability of the region and the need for more effective disaster management strategies. By addressing the underlying issues, promoting sustainable development, and improving disaster response capabilities, it is possible to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The lessons learned from this experience should be used to inform and improve disaster management policies and practices in other regions that are vulnerable to natural disasters.
The economic impact of the recurring disasters in Jammu and Kashmir is also significant and far-reaching. The damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings, disrupts trade and commerce, hinders tourism, and increases transportation costs. The loss of crops and livestock affects the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. The displacement of people from their homes leads to loss of income and increased social vulnerability. The cost of disaster relief and reconstruction places a strain on government resources. To mitigate the economic impact of disasters, it is essential to invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure, promote economic diversification, and provide social safety nets for vulnerable populations. Disaster-resilient infrastructure includes roads, bridges, buildings, and other essential infrastructure that are designed to withstand the impact of natural disasters. Economic diversification can help to reduce the region's reliance on agriculture and tourism, which are both vulnerable to disasters. Social safety nets can provide assistance to vulnerable populations, such as the poor, the elderly, and people with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by disasters. In addition to these measures, it is also important to promote insurance coverage for natural disasters. Insurance can help to reduce the financial burden on individuals and businesses that are affected by disasters. The government can play a role in promoting insurance coverage by providing subsidies and incentives. The recurring disasters in Jammu and Kashmir pose a significant threat to the region's economy and social fabric. By investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure, promoting economic diversification, providing social safety nets, and promoting insurance coverage, it is possible to mitigate the economic impact of disasters and build a more resilient economy. The resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is remarkable. Despite facing numerous challenges, they have always persevered. With the support of the government and the international community, they can overcome the challenges posed by natural disasters and build a more prosperous and sustainable future for their region. The key is to adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach to disaster management that addresses the underlying causes of vulnerability, promotes sustainable development, and strengthens disaster response capabilities. By working together, it is possible to create a safer and more resilient future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Source: J&K rains: Landslide hits Mata Vaishno Devi shrine route; yatra suspended, rescue ops on