As India transitions from the scorching summer heat to the monsoon season, a dramatic shift in weather is on the horizon
As the rumbling in clouds becomes louder and the humidity rises, it is time for monsoon. It is welcome as it brings much relief from the scorching heat and a lot of discomfort that comes with it but as the monsoon progresses it also becomes a challenge, exposing our inadequacies and unpreparedness to meet this annual phenomenon. The monsoon season, while a welcome relief from the summer heat, brings with it significant challenges. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in seven states: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh. Residents of these areas are advised to brace for severe weather conditions, including the potential for flash floods, particularly in Uttarakhand, Goa, and Karnataka. This year's monsoon is expected to be more severe than usual. The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall over the next few days, which could lead to significant disruptions and pose serious risks to life and property.It is just a matter of days before Delhi will wear a Venice look as water logging is a norm that repeats every year. The people living on the banks of Yamuna would be rendered homeless as if it were their destiny. And after the waters recede it would be life as usual for the people and the Government alike. But a lot of misery is in store for Uttarakhand where flash floods are predicted. Uttarakhand faces an elevated risk of flash floods. The steep slopes and narrow valleys can quickly channel rainwater, leading to sudden and severe flooding. Goa is also vulnerable to heavy rains and flash floods during the monsoon. The state’s infrastructure can become quickly overwhelmed, leading to waterlogging and disruption of services. Karnataka is expected to experience torrential downpours. The Western Ghats, which run along the western edge of the state, can intensify the rainfall, increasing the risk of floods and landslides.
It is not just the monsoon, but its aftermath is equally challenging. The waterborne diseases and spectre of epidemics loom large while authorities watch it happening as mute spectators. Indeed it is high time authorities in the affected states take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains and prepare for the possible evacuation of vulnerable populations to safer areas. Issuing regular updates and warnings to keep the public informed and safe. Ensuring that critical infrastructure, such as dams and drainage systems, are prepared to handle the increased water levels. Many bridges in Bihar have collapsed even before the monsoon, airport Terminal T1 in Delhi collapsed and several highways have caved in, if these are not warning signals then what is? Blaming the monsoon is certainly lame. It is not sudden or unexpected. It happens every year yet we are ill-prepared for it. Besides, we so much depend upon it for irrigating our fields and providing drinking water. One can find so many pains when the rain is falling but then Without the rain, there would be no rainbow!
