What is the framework of Sendai? Describe the significant steps that India has taken to manage disasters based on the Sendai framework.
Model Answer Formation of Cloudbursts Cloudbursts are intense, localized rainfall events that typically occur in hilly regions. They are characterized by a rapid, heavy downpour of over 100 mm of rain in an hour, as defined by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). These events primarily occurRead more
Model Answer
Formation of Cloudbursts
Cloudbursts are intense, localized rainfall events that typically occur in hilly regions. They are characterized by a rapid, heavy downpour of over 100 mm of rain in an hour, as defined by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). These events primarily occur in areas like the Himalayan states, where specific topographic and meteorological conditions prevail.
The process of cloudburst formation begins when moisture-laden air ascends a hilly terrain. This upward movement, known as “orographic lift,” causes the air to cool and form a vertical column of cumulus clouds. The rising air keeps raindrops suspended within the clouds, allowing new droplets to form and existing ones to grow larger. Lightning further delays rainfall within the clouds. Eventually, when these clouds can no longer hold the accumulated moisture, they burst, leading to intense and localized rainfall in a small geographical area of about 20 to 30 square kilometers.
Impact of Cloudbursts
- Flash Floods: The rapid accumulation of rainwater can overwhelm rivers and drainage systems, causing flash floods, especially downstream from the storm.
- Landslides: In mountainous areas, the large volume of water can lead to landslides, mudslides, and extensive flooding.
- Loss of Life and Property: Cloudbursts result in the destruction of homes, infrastructure, crops, and loss of life, leading to a severe economic impact.
- Environmental Degradation: Flash floods and debris flow disrupt forest ecosystems and degrade the land, displacing trees and eroding soil.
Measures to Mitigate the Impact
To reduce the effects of cloudbursts, several measures can be adopted:
- Safer Settlement Planning: Build settlements away from flood-prone areas and avoid constructing near streams that may flood during heavy rains.
- Improved Forecasting and Technology: Use advanced weather monitoring systems, such as dense radar networks, to predict and warn of cloudbursts in advance.
- Community Participation: Train local communities, especially in rural areas, to understand disaster risks and take precautionary actions.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Implement eco-friendly measures, such as large-scale plantation drives, to restore fragile landscapes and reduce the impact of natural disasters.
By combining these strategies, the devastating effects of cloudbursts can be minimized, ensuring better preparedness and response in vulnerable areas.
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India has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic conditions. About 60% of the landmass is prone to earthquakes of various intensities; over 40 million hectares is prone to floods; about 8% of the total area is prone to cyclones and 68% of the area isRead more
India has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic conditions. About 60% of the landmass is prone to earthquakes of various intensities; over 40 million hectares is prone to floods; about 8% of the total area is prone to cyclones and 68% of the area is susceptible to drought. Considering the vulnerabilities of India, Sendai Framework plays an important role in response, recovery and resilience of India in terms of disaster management.
Sendai Framework
Important Initiative Taken By India Based On Sendai Framework
In furtherance to its commitment to the Sendai framework, the Government has taken up several important initiatives post-Sendai Declaration.
India Specific Initiatives
The Sendai Framework also calls upon all the stakeholders to be involved in disaster preparedness and mitigation planning as well as the relief and recovery phase. In the mission of Disaster Risk Reduction, there is a need for collaboration by all entities, public and private, to strengthen the mechanisms for disaster risk reduction by using and sharing reliable and affordable modern technology for capacity building. The country requires protocols to involve civil society in myriad post-COVID roles.
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