Jharkhand: Floods From North to South, Devastation Beyond Measure in Every Corner | ABP News

On one hand, floods are wreaking havoc in the plains, while the mountains are equally affected as heavy rains bring life to a halt. In Jharkhand, a severe weather event unfolded on Wednesday night when cloudbursts occurred in three different areas. The torrential rain over just four hours caused massive destruction, sweeping away homes, schools, and shops. In one village alone, 36 people are reported missing. This situation prompts an important question: why is rainfall turning into such a significant disaster? Several factors contribute to rainfall becoming a catastrophe. Climate change plays a pivotal role, as rising global temperatures lead to more extreme weather patterns, including intense rainfall and frequent cloudbursts. The geographical and topographical features of mountainous regions like Himachal Pradesh make them particularly vulnerable; the steep slopes facilitate rapid runoff, overwhelming both natural and man-made drainage systems. Deforestation exacerbates the issue by diminishing the land’s capacity to absorb water, leading to increased runoff. Urbanization further complicates the situation; unplanned and rapid development often destroys natural drainage systems, resulting in greater surface runoff. Additionally, inadequate or poorly maintained infrastructure, such as dams and drainage systems, may fail to manage heavy rains effectively. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and prevent such devastating disasters in the future.