Description

The Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir was recently struck by a devastating flash flood after torrential rains hit Chasoti village, located near the famous Machail Mata temple. The disaster claimed the lives of at least 65 people, while more than 50 remain unaccounted for. Experts warn that such incidents are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming and shifting weather patterns. In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant rise in extreme weather events, leading to thousands of fatalities across the region.

Increasing Frequency Of Extreme Weather

Data from 2010 to 2022 reveals that Jammu and Kashmir experienced 2,863 extreme weather events, ranging from thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to flash floods, landslides, and snowstorms.

• Thunderstorms: 1,942 occurrences

• Heavy Rainfall: 409 events

• Flash Floods: 168 events

• Landslides: 186 incidents

• Heavy Snowfall: fewer but more lethal, accounting for 182 deaths

Overall, these extreme weather conditions resulted in 552 recorded deaths during the 12-year period.

Why Extreme Weather Is Rising

Researchers identify three main drivers behind the surge in extreme climatic events in the region:

• Rising Temperatures – The western Himalayas have been warming at nearly twice the pace of the rest of the Indian subcontinent since 2000. Warmer air holds more moisture, increasing both the intensity and frequency of rainfall.

• Shrinking Glaciers – Melting glaciers have formed unstable glacial lakes. When these lakes overflow or burst, they release sudden floods that wreak havoc downstream.

• Changing Western Disturbances – Traditionally a winter phenomenon, these moisture-laden winds originating beyond Afghanistan and Iran are now impacting the region outside their usual season. Climate change has warmed the Arabian Sea, supplying extra moisture to these systems, making rainfall more intense.

The Role Of Terrain

Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous geography adds to the vulnerability. Moist air is forced upward by high terrain, causing orographic rainfall, which leads to intense downpours. The steep and fragile landscape makes the region prone to sudden flash floods and landslides, further amplifying destruction during extreme weather events.

Human Toll

Among the districts most severely impacted by flash floods are Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Doda. While flash floods remain the most deadly, heavy rains and snowfall have also taken a large toll. From 2010 to 2022, thousands of lives were lost across Jammu and Kashmir due to these recurring climate-driven disasters.

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