Question

Discuss the flood problem in the Brahmaputra valley.

Answer 1

The flood problem in the Brahmaputra Valley is caused by several factors:

1. Heavy Monsoon Rains: Intense rainfall during the monsoon season leads to the swelling of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, causing floods, especially in Assam.
2. Siltation: The river carries a large amount of silt, raising the riverbed and reducing its capacity to carry water, which contributes to flooding.
3. Deforestation: Loss of vegetation in the catchment area increases runoff, leading to faster water flow and more intense floods.
4. Glacial Melt and Climate Change: Melting glaciers and erratic weather due to climate change increase water flow into the river, raising flood risks.
5. Inadequate Flood Control: Poorly maintained embankments and flood infrastructure fail to handle the large volumes of water, resulting in severe flooding.