Monsoon: Why rains have been so deadly in India this year
Summary:
India is experiencing unprecedented monsoon rains, leading to severe floods and landslides that have killed hundreds. The Indian Meteorology Department reports rainfall levels exceeding 1,000% above normal in some areas. Factors contributing to this extreme weather include climate change, westerly disturbances, and unstable mountainous regions. Human activities, such as infrastructure development and poor drainage systems, exacerbate the situation. Experts warn that these issues must be addressed to mitigate future impacts.Key Insights:
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Extreme Rainfall Patterns: Rainfall is now falling in huge volumes over short periods, especially in mountainous regions.
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Westerly Disturbances Impact: Interactions between monsoon systems and westerly disturbances have intensified rainfall.
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Global Warming Effects: Wavy jet streams due to global warming are influencing local weather patterns.
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Human Impact on Flooding: Infrastructure development and poor drainage systems worsen flooding risks.
Takeaways:
Addressing these environmental and infrastructural issues is crucial to reduce future flood impacts.