Question

The IMD collates rainfall between June and September as SW monsoon. Answer the following question. 

Study the picture on the right. Briefly explain what could be the cause of this calamity and what could be done to bring relief.

Answer 1

The calamity shown in the picture is flooding caused by excess rainfall during the Southwest (SW) monsoon season (June to September). The heavy and continuous rainfall from the SW monsoon leads to waterlogging and flooding in urban and low-lying areas.

Cause:

• The SW monsoon winds bring heavy moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
• When these winds hit coastal and central India, orographic rainfall occurs, producing heavy rains.
• Intense and prolonged rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems causing urban flooding, as shown in the picture.
• Inadequate drainage infrastructure and encroachments also worsen flooding.

Relief Measures:

• Immediate relief can include evacuation and rescue using boats or other vehicles.
• Supply clean drinking water, food and medical aid to affected people.
• Improving urban drainage and stormwater management systems to prevent waterlogging.
• Awareness and preparedness for heavy rainfall and flood warnings during the SW monsoon.
• Long-term planning to reduce encroachments on natural drainage channels and wetlands.

Thus, SW monsoon heavy rains cause such flooding calamities and better urban planning and emergency measures can help bring relief.