THE UNIVERSITY OF BURDWAN

B.A SEMESTER VI HONOURS CBCS EXAMINATION, 2021

PAPER: CC 14(PRACTICAL) DESASTER MANAGEMENT

TITLE: A THEORETICAL CASE STUDY ON

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF
FLASH FLOOD WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO
“UTTARAKHAND FLASH FLOOD, 2021”

1
 A THEORITECAL CASE STUDY
ON
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF
FLASH FLOOD WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO
“UTTARAKHAND FLASH FLOOD, 2021”

Project Report Submitted

For partial fulfillment of the B.A. Geography (Hons.) Semester VI CC 14
Syllabus of
The University Of Burdwan
2021

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I take this opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude to my teachers

Dr.Syamalina Goswami, Dr.Soumita Ghosh, Dr.Tanmoy Dhibor, Dr.Sujata Das,

Dr.Shyamapada Santra, department of Geography, Hooghly Women’s College, Hooghly

for their valuable guidance, continuous encouragement, critical suggestion and

supervision to complete the project work.

Lastly, I would like to pay my gratitude to my classmates and parents for supporting
me throughout the project report.

Date : 10.6.2021
(Signature of Student)

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 PREFACE

Meteorological hazards disasters are the result of atmospheric events and hence they are very often
termed as atmospheric hazards and disasters. Some of the extreme weather events leave instantaneous
effects and cause human causalities not only during the events, but also long time after the events such as
‘Flash flood of Uttarakhand (Chamoli)’ in 2021.
Flash flood is the most devastating flood till date, was hit the Chamoli district which is under
Himalayan region of Uttarakhand on 7th February, 2021. It destroyed the both natural and manmade
environmental system. It also affects land use of the Himalayan region.
The rising tourism industry lured the shark and they erected multi-storied hotels,
flouting all environmental norms. Thousands of such resorts and hotels have mushroomed in this eco-
sensitive zone in the last few years. Some of these hotels were built on banks of several small and big
rivers just to give the tourists a bird’s eye view of the pristine river flowing through the valley.

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 CONTENTS

CHAPTER CONTENT PAGE NO.

1 Introduction 6-7

2 Literature Review 8

3 Aims and Objective 9

4 Study area and Methodology 10-12

5 Results and Discussion 13-16

6 Preparedness, Mitigation and Management 17-18

7 Conclusion 19

Reference 20

LIST OF DIAGRAM

FIGURE NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

2 Tourist flow in Uttarakhand 15

5 Strategies for prevention of flash flood 18

LIST OF MAPS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

FIGURE NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

1 Location map of Uttarakhand (Chamoli) 10

3 The scenario of Uttarakhand flash flood 16

4 Field photograph of the Hydro-power project at Reini 16

village

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTI0N
DEFINITION OF DISASTER
A disaster is a serious disruption occurring over a short or long period of time that causes widespread
human, material, economic or environmental loss which exceeds the ability of the affected community or
society to cope using its own resources. Developing countries suffer the greatest costs when a disaster hits
– more than 95 percent of all deaths caused by hazards occur in developing countries, and losses due to
natural hazards are 20 times greater (as a percentage of GDP) in developing countries than in
industrialized countries.
A. TYPES OF DISASTERS
Disasters are routinely divided into natural or human-made, although complex disasters, where there is no
single root cause, are more common in developing countries. A specific disaster may spawn a secondary
disaster that increases the impact. A classic example is an earthquake that causes a tsunami, resulting in
coastal flooding. Some manufactured disasters have been ascribed to nature.
age, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental
1) Natural disasters
A natural disaster is a natural process or phenomenon that may cause loss of life, injury or other health
impacts, property dam damage.
Various phenomena like earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes,
blizzards, tsunamis, and cyclones are all natural disasters that kill thousands of people and destroy
billions of dollars of habitat and property each year. However, the rapid growth of the world's population
and its increased concentration often in hazardous environments has escalated both the frequency and
severity of disasters.
2) Human-made disasters
Human-instigated disasters are the consequence of technological or human hazards. Examples include
stampedes, fires, transport accidents, industrial accidents, oil spills, terrorist attacks, nuclear
explosions/nuclear radiation. War and deliberate attacks may also be put in this category. Human-
instigated disasters are the consequence of technological or human hazards
Other types of induced disasters include the more cosmic scenarios of catastrophic global warming,
nuclear war, and bioterrorism.

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CONCEPT OF FLOOD
Flood is one of the most common natural hazards, which is a natural phenomenon of an extreme nature,
often violent, occurring irregularly. In accordance with art.16 section 43 of the ‘water law of July 2017’
flood is defined as “A temporary coverage with water of an area not normally covered by water, in
particular caused by high water in natural watercourses, reservoirs, onshore canals, excluding
coverage of an area with water caused by high water in sewage system”.
TYPES OF FLOOD
Floods can be described according to speed (flash flood), geography or cause of flooding. Several types
of flooding will be described below:
Flash floods:
These occur after local rainfall with a high intensity, which leads to a quick raise of water levels causing a
threat to lives of the inhabitants. The time available to predict flash floods in advance is limited. Severe
rainfall on the flood location may be used as an indicator for this type of flood. It generally occurs in
mountainous areas.
Coastal floods (or storm surges):
These occur along the coasts of seas and big lakes. Wind storms (for example hurricane or cyclone) and
low atmospheric pressure cause the set-up of water levels on the coast. When this situation coincides with
astronomical high tide at the coast, this can lead to (extreme) high water levels and flooding of the coastal
area.
River Floods (Fluvial floods):
These are characterized by the gradual riverbank, lake or stream overflows caused by extensive rainfall or
snowmelt over an extended period of time. The areas covered by river floods depend on the size of the
river and the amount of rainfall. River floods rarely result in loss of lives but can cause dams and dikes to
break, creating immense economic damage.
Urban Floods:
These types of floods occur when the drainage system in a city or town fails to absorb the water from
heavy rain. The lack of natural drainage in an urban area can also contribute to flooding. Water flows out
into the street, making driving through it very dangerous.
Pluvial Floods:
From in flat, where the terrain can’t absorb the rainwater, causing puddles and ponds to appear. Pluvial
flooding is like urban flooding, only that it occurs mostly in rural areas. The agricultural activities and
properties in areas where pluvial floods have occurred can be seriously affected.

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 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

A short-lived Flash flood in Rishi and Dhauli Ganga rivers on 7th February 2021, Uttarakhand Himalaya,
killed 65 people with 141 reported missing (official estimate) and devastated two hydropower projects.
Geomorphological observations supported by meteorological data suggest that the flood was triggered by
a combination of avalanche and debris Cow. The Dhauli Ganga valley has preserved ponded sedimentary
sequences (laminated sand and silty-clay), suggesting that the valley is prone to episodic mega foods in
the recent geological past. Considering that the receding glaciers in the higher Himalaya have left behind
enormous sediment, unusual weather events are likely to generate such disasters more frequently as the
climate becomes warmer. Thus, the study calls for not only incorporating the disaster risk assessment in
the developmental planning of the Himalayan region but also recommends routine monitoring of the
potential areas of structural failures in the glaciated valleys along with supra-glacial lakes. The 7th
February, 2021 Rishi–Dhauli Ganga Flash flood originated from a small tributary stream – Raunthi Gad.
This stream originates from Raunthi and Nanda Ghunti glaciers located in the lower reaches of Nanda
Devi National Park (a world heritage site). In order to assess the causes and magnitude of sediment
mobilization from the paraglacial zone, our team reached the confluence of Raunthi Gad and Rishi
Ganga. Based on field observations supported by satellite data (Google Earth imagery), an attempt has
been made to understand the processes responsible for triggering the flood. Additionally,
sedimentological archives of past river since the lakes are formed at higher elevations, the downstream
impact is going to be severe due to extremely rapid debris Cows. The breaching and associated flash
floods are called Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). There is a growing concern that with the rise in
global temperature, their frequency and magnitude would impounding in the Dhauli Ganga valley were
also investigated to assess the vulnerability of Dhauli Ganga towards flash floods in the recent geological
past. The current flash flood mapping approaches include a combination of the geomorphological,
hydraulic, hydrology, meteorological, socio economic factors, with aid of Remote Sensing and GIS
environment and their combinations, some of which has been discussed with their case studies.

1. G, Pankaj., S, Anand., (2018): Journal of Environmental Hazards.

2. R, Naresh., S, Shubhra., S, Yaspal., K, Firoz., (2021) : A preliminary assessment of the 7th
February 2021 flash flood in lower Dhauli Ganga valley, Central Himalaya, India.
3. Bisht,R.S., (2017) : Jharkhand Journal of Development and Management Studies.
4. Dr. Satendra., Dr. K. J Anandha Kumar (2013) : India Disaster Report 2013.

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 CHAPTER 3: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. To make use of the best available data in order to identify the location and potential impacts that
natural disasters as Uttarakhand Flash Flood can have on people, property, and the natural environment.
2. To improve the system of warning and emergency communication.
3. To provide support for the public authorities and government institutions for these flash flood
mitigation efforts including planning and action coordination.
4. To inform the public on the risk exposure to this devastating flood and how they can prepare, respond,
recover and mitigate the impact of such events.
5. To analyze impact of socio economic conditions of affected people.
6. To analyze flash flood impact on the social aspect of victims and flash flood prone areas.
7. To understand the economic analysis of flash flood and natural calamities.
8. To analyze relief fund from the government.
9. To focus on developing a collaborative platform that will link citizen, public authorities and other stack
holder and on enabling to be warned so that actions can be taken to reduce the adverse effects of the
severe flash flood.

With the above mentioned objectives the dissertation will offer me an opportunity for collective problem
solving, knowledge sharing, social exchange at local and global scale. This will lead to an insight into the
information and preparedness requirements of local communities and the development of solution
adapted to the social realities.

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 CHAPTER 4: STUDY AREA AND METHODOLOGY

Formed in the year 2000, and located in the young Himalayan range, Uttarakhand is one of the most
progressive states in the union of India. The hill state is thriving economically and has been registering a
significant growth over the years (IBEF, 2017). But setup, the state is highly vulnerable to disasters like
landslides, flash floods, earthquakes, forest fires and avalanches” (Satendra, 2003). The state has a
troubling history of frequent disasters over the years. Over the years these disasters have left a serious
impact on human lives. Uttarakhand is one of India’s highest recipients of seasonal rainfall in the
monsoon season. Such disasters have become a regular phenomenon in this part of the world. due to its
“physiographic, climate and prevailing socio-economic condition and geographical prevailing socio-
economic condition and geographical.

Fig.1. LOCATION MAP OF CHAMOLI DISTRICT (UTTARAKHAND)

Administratively the study area Chamoli district is a district of the Uttarakhand state of India. Chamoli
district lies in the northeastern part of Uttarakhand state. It is bounded by North Latitude 29º 55' 00" &
31º 03' 45" and East Longitude 79º 02' 39" & 80º 03' 29". It is bounded by the Tibet region to the north
and by the Uttarakhand districts of Pithoragarh and Bageshwar to the east; Almora to the south; Pauri
Garhwal to the southwest; Rudraprayag to the west; and uttarkashi to the northwest. The administrative
headquarters of Chamoli district is in Gopeshwar.

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PHYSIOGRAPHIC VIEW OF THE STUDY AREA
Uttarakhand, formerly Uttaranchal, state of India, located in the northwestern part of the country. It is
bordered to the northwest by the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, to the northeast by the Tibet
Autonomous Region of China, to the southeast by Nepal, and to the south and southwest by the Indian
state of Uttar Pradesh. Its capital is the northwestern city of Dehra Dun.
Land Relief
Uttarakhand has a highly varied topography, with snow-covered peaks, glaciers, deep canyons, roaring
streams, beautiful lakes, and a few patches of dusty plains in the south. Some of the highest mountains in
the world are found in Uttarakhand. Most notably, these include Nanda Devi (25,646 feet [7,817 metres]),
which is the second highest peak in India, Kamet (25,446 feet [7,756 metres]), and Badrinath (23,420 feet
[7,138 metres]).
Uttarakhand can be divided into several physiographic zones, all running parallel to each other from
northwest to southeast. The northern zone, popularly known as the Himadri, contains segments of the
Zaskar and the Great Himalaya ranges, with elevations ranging roughly from 10,000 to 25,000 feet (3,000
to 7,600 metres). Most of the major peaks are located in this zone. Adjacent to and south of the Great
Himalayas is a zone containing the Lesser Himalayas, known popularly as the Himachal, with elevations
between about 6,500 and 10,000 feet (2,000 to 3,000 metres); the zone has two linear ranges—the
Mussoorie and the Nag Tibba. To the south of the Himachal is a stretch of the Siwalik Range. The entire
area containing the Himadri, the Himachal, and the Siwaliks is broadly known as the Kumaun Himalayas.
The southern edge of the Siwalik Range merges with a narrow bed of gravel and alluvium known as the
Bhabar, which interfaces to the southeast with the marshy terrain known as the Tarai. The combined
Siwalik-Bhabar-Tarai area ranges in elevation from 1,000 to 10,000 feet (300 to 3,000 metres). South of
the Siwaliks are found flat-floored depressions, known locally as duns, such as the Dehra Dun.
Drainage
The state is drained by various rivers of the Ganges (Ganga) system. The westernmost watershed is
formed by the Yamuna River and its major tributary, the Tons. The land to the east of this basin is drained
by the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda—which join to form the Ganges at the town of Devaprayag—and
the Mandakini, Pindar, and Dhauliganga, all principal tributaries of the Alaknanda. To the east again are
the southward-flowing Ramganga and Kosi rivers, and draining to the southeast in the same region are the
Sarju and Goriganga, both of which join the Kali at Uttarakhand’s eastern border with Nepal.
Climate

The climate of Uttarakhand is temperate, marked by seasonal variations in temperature but also affected
by tropical monsoons. January is the coldest month, with daily high temperatures averaging below
freezing in the north and near 70 °F (21 °C) in the southeast. In the north, July is the hottest month, with

11
temperatures typically rising from the mid-40s F (about 7 °C) to about 70 °F daily. In the southeast, May
is the warmest month, with daily temperatures normally reaching the low 100s F (about 38 °C) from a
low around 80 °F (27 °C). Most of the state’s roughly 60 inches (1,500 mm) of annual precipitation is
brought by the southwest monsoon, which blows from July through September. Floods and landslides are
problems during the rainy season in the lower stretches of the valleys. In the northern parts of the state, 10
to 15 feet (3 to 5 metres) of snowfall is common between December and March.

DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF UTTARAKHAND

According 2011 Census of India, Uttarakhand’s population has reached approximately 1.01 Crore with an
increase of 19.17 percent from the past decade. Uttarakhand feeds approximately 0.84% of India’s total
population. As per census report of Uttarakhand, the total population of the State is 10,116,752; of which
male and female are 5,154,178 and 4,962,574, respectively which has increased from 84,89,349, the total
population of the state as per Census 2001 where 43,25,924 were males and 41,63,425 were females.

As per preliminary report of Census 2011, Uttarakhand has literacy rate of 79.63% which is above the
national average of 74.04%. Total 6,997,433 people were found literate in Uttarakhand during the last
Census, out of the total literate population, 3,930,174 were males with a percentage of 88.33 while
remaining 3,067,259 were female with 70.70 percent. These averages of literacy in overall and among
male and female have increased since Census 2001, where the male and female literacy rates were
recorded as 81.02% and 63.36% respectively. The population of the districts in Uttarakhand varies
considerably. Four of the 13 districts, namely Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital
account for 61.5 % of the state’s total population. On adding Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal and Almora,
this accounts for nearly 81%. This clearly shows that the concentration of population is quite high in the
mid and foothills as compared to the remaining six districts of high hills.

METHODOLOGY

The methodology is categories into two types of database which full fill the aims and objectives of the
study. The two types of databases are:

1. Primary Data.

2. Secondary Data.

In the dissertation, through the topic requires primary data, I was unable to go to this place for data
collection. So I submitted my dissertation copy based on secondary data which I have collected from
articles, Website, journals and newspapers.

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 CHAPTER 5 : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

EFFECTS OF FLASH FLOOD IN UTTARAKHAND

A devastating flash flood occurred on Rishi Ganga and Dhauli Ganga river, which initiated from the
upper glacier region of Raunthi gad in the Chamoli district Uttarakhand. The event happened on 7th
February 2021 and had a devastating effect downstream. Flood impact was mainly constrained to the
infrastructure project along the river reach starting from a 13.2 MW small hydropower project across
Rishiganga (2050 m) and then dismantling a bridge across the Rishiganga (1985 m) at the confluence of
Dhauliganga. Further downstream at 4 km on Dhauliganga, the flood destroyed the 520 MW Tapovan-
Vishnugad hydropower project (1800 m). The tunnel under construction for the Tapovan-Vishnugad
project become the major disaster site, more than 50 people lost lives and more than 150 people still
missing. Tapovan dam structure is filled with flood deposits highlighting the amount of debris brought
down by the event. This debris flow in the peak winter month of February caused strong speculation
about the cause of this event. Considering that heavy snowfall occurred in the region a couple of days
ahead, i.e. on 4th and 5th February 2021, therefore an avalanche trigger is suspected as the Rishiganga
basin has around 52 glaciers with a 262 km2 glacier area. Five of these glaciers have an area >50 km2
(Sangewar & Shukla, 2009) therefore, the possibility of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is also
considered. However, a recent glacial lake inventory of the region prepared as part of an ongoing project
under National Mission on Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) sponsored by the Department of
Science and Technology, Govt. of India recorded 7 glacier lake in the area with none of them is
vulnerable as per standard criteria (Jain, 2021, Under preparation).

IMPACT OF FLASH FLOOD IN UTTARAKHAND

1. SOCIAL IMPACT :
➢ Health: In the aftermath of the deluge in Uttarakhand, the people are highly vulnerable to
diseases outbreak and epidemics as dead bodies and animal carcases rot openly in the
environment. Special care is required for women and child. Pregnant and lactating mothers are
worst sufferers of such disaster. The non-institutional delivery can take a toll on the health of
both, the baby and the mother. After disaster rehabilitation camp, women generally are
malnourished due to poor food and lodging, which is dreadful for baby and herself. Apart from
physical morbidity, the disaster leaves people in serious mental trauma, especially women,
children and old people who are emotionally weak. In the longer run, these depressed people
have a very less chance of recovering to a normal state. The following case highlights the
degree of health damage it can cause to affected households.

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 ➢ Education: A huge amount of infrastructural properties is lost during a disaster. The
incessant rainfall in Uttarakhand lashes away buildings, houses etc. In such loss, the
educational institutions in rural pockets become acutely dysfunctional. Sometimes the whole
infrastructure is converted into debris. Because of which the education of children is disturbed.
After the disaster, sometimes families are shifted to rehabilitation camps and for months the
children’s are deprived of education. Traumatized by the calamities, it becomes really difficult
for children to freshly restart the studies.
➢ Culture: Due to disaster people have either ceased or are unable to cherish festivals and
family affairs. A large number of religious sites are damaged or washed away by rains, leaving
people in an environment of hopelessness (Kala, 2014, p.146). There is a dead silence in the
affected communities. Such impacts are not quantifiable unlike property, hence there are no
measures developed to help people. The people in the hills are extremely religious. In their
belief system, their entire universe (forest, food, beauty etc.) is the creation of god. This has
been an integral part of their folk culture. The sudden increase in frequency of disasters has
forced them to believe that these sudden occurrences are fury of god.
2. ECONOMIC IMPACT :
➢ Livelihood and Migration crises: The local people in the Uttarakhand are largely
dependent on tourism and agriculture for their livelihood. The heavy rainfall during the
monsoon leads to soil erosion inflicting a great loss of agriculture land and its fertility.
Many farms are swept away and horticulture practices are ravaged. Apart from agricultural
dependency, the people in hill have a great dependence on the tourism industry for a
livelihood. Uttarakhand itself is one of the highest recipients of tourism because of its
pilgrimages and the state relies heavily on this sector for its economic growth. Since its
formation, tourism sector has increased by 168 percent over the span of 12 years. Every
year 23 to 24 lakh pilgrim arrived in the state for Char Dham Yatra (four holy pilgrimages)
- Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri (PTI, 2016). But after series of disaster
(mainly caused by rain), the state is losing its high status in tourism. People from other
states are now scared and especially after the flash flood, the sector has plunged to a
significant level. According to PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI),
Uttarakhand incurred at a loss of about 12,000 crores immediately after Chamoli calamity.
Below is a line graph of the tourism inflow, which will give a better picture about the
consequences of disaster on tourism industry which is the backbone of Uttarakhand’s
economy.

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 Fig.2 Tourist Flow in Uttarakhand from Year 2000-14
➢ Infrastructure: The rains are the biggest curse for infrastructural development in the Himalayas.
Annually a number of houses are washed away. There is a significant dearth of data on the
number, but these rains wreak Impact of Heavy Downpour on Human Resources in Uttarakhand
havoc on private and public properties. In the 2021 floods, many hydropower projects stopped
functioning including NTPC’s Tapovan-Vishnugad Hydel project and the Rishi Ganga Hydel
project. There was a compounded estimated loss of more than $3.8 billion (GFDRR, 2013). Apart
from concrete structures, vast stretches of road were swept away and many new projects in the
making have had to undergo reconstruction every year. Following the heavy downpour, the
telecom sector is worst affected by such disaster. After the disaster, all telephones lines are
disturbed. The wireless communication network also comes to a halt due to loss of network
towers. The hopes of survivors in disaster are wiped away by incessant rains. Later these projects
take the time to rebuild because of the geographical hindrances, hence isolating the local masses
from the external world. The state requires more of a decentralised form of communication which
will be reliable at the time of catastrophe’s rather than the standard Indian model.
➢ Politico-Administrative Aspect : The full recovery of people requires a strong political
and administrative will as there are a large number of problems that have to be dealt with.
The politico-administrative machinery is supposed to work with the people to develop
livelihood, rebuilding process, sanitation and hygiene and provide counseling for
psychological cases. The allocation of land, availability of funds, engagement of planners
and other experts are such issues which cannot be done without proper consent and
willingness of these quarters. But for years the Uttarakhand government has failed to
manage its omnipresent disasters. It’s incompetence has been exposed repeatedly every
year during the monsoon season. The administrative structure has been hopelessly
maligned by corruption activities.
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 Fig.3: The Scenario of Uttarakhand Flash Flood(Source: Google Image)

Fig.4: Field photographs of the hydro-power project at Reini village (A) before the disaster (B) after the
disaster of 7th Feb 2021. (I) marks the location of the project and dotted black line marks the location of the
washed bridge. ( Source: Google Scholar)

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 CHAPTER 6 : PREPAREDNESS, MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT

Preparedness for Flash Flood :

The readiness is described as pre-arrangement for coping with disaster that has been adopted for
minimizing the impact of disaster on human and their property. It includes various measures of coping
with the disaster.

These measures are following:

• Spread the awareness among the people for flash flood disaster in Chamoli district.

• Complete planning for flash flood and it’s the mitigation in the region,

• Increase individual participation through teachings about the methods of coping and

• Promote the community participation in the coping mechanisms with the disaster.

• The supply of emergency food, supply of water, medicines and shelters for affected peoples.

Mitigation Measures :

In the mountainous region, traditionally, people have avoided those places which were affected by any
disaster in history. They are trying to prevent the natural disaster because they are well aware of the
consequences of a disaster. The flash flood often occurs in rural areas and affected the most. Because they
cannot get same level of awareness at urban level about river floods. Therefore, it is difficult to inspire
local communities in flash flood-prone areas to undertake precautionary measures. Except for all these,
local authority initiated for local in this region. During the rainy season, authorities informed or told the
people to leave their homes which are in the catchment. It is because these are affected most during flash
flood. Authorities has done well in monitoring, assessing, and warning at their level. Therefore,
authorities cannot reach every person in the district. The rural people are affected the most by flash flood
because they have found themselves far from public awareness programme functioned by local
authorities.

Strategies to prevent the flash flood :

The various approaches can help in prevention from flash flood. The strategies such as ecological
restorations afforestation, sensitive development, sustainable infrastructure development, safe tourism and
nature supportive roads and habitats can help in prevention and mitigation of flash flood disaster .

17
Environment hazards are the product of combined interaction between geographical and anthropogenic
processes which lies at the interface between the natural ecosystems and the human use system .

Afforestation: Forest is the mainstay of a mountainous ecosystem because forest protects the rocks from
exposing and keep these rocks strong through their root system. Forest canopy intercept the 60% of
rainfall which falls over the forest.

Ecological sensitive development: Environmental friendly development should be allowed to complete.

The ecological processes and flora and fauna of that region should be allowed to complete.

Nature supportive roads and habitats: The connectivity is dependent on the presence of roads.
Therefore, roads should be environmental friendly also, and it should not be on margins of hills. Roads
should be constructed according to natural aspect of the region.

Flash flood risk assessment: The flash flood risk assessment comprises the area, intensity of flash
floods, assessing of damage, etc. The process of post-disaster mitigation, relief, rehabilitation are more
expensive than the preparedness.

NATURE
FLOOD RISK SUPPORTIVE
MANAGEMENT AFFORESTATION ROADS AND
HABITATS

SUSTAINABLE
ECOLOGICAL
SAFE TOURISM INFRASTRUCTUR
RESTORATION
E DEVELOPMENT

Fig.5: Strategies for prevention of flash flood.

18
 CHAPTER 7 : CONCLUSION

Mountains are one of the disaster-prone areas because of their geology, climate, vegetation, glaciers, high
flowing river and less development. The hydrological disturbances are creating problem in the
mountainous region. The most of the environmental problem in the mountains are result of human-
induced activities that exposed the nature of these mountains. During the flash flood of 1993-94, only
four people were dead and that time peak water discharge in river Kosi was 4500 m3 /s. This peak water
discharge in river Kosi was same in 2010 when another disastrous flash flood has taken place, but the
number of causalities was 48 people. Ecological restoration, afforestation, sustainable infrastructure
development, nature supportive roads and habitats should be promoted for the sustainable future of
mountains. This study reveals that the flash flood is result of natural phenomena but loss of human and its
property is because of human shifting toward hills. The shifting of human population towards the
mountain is cause of increase in the number of disastrous events. Human activities and presence in river
basin is cause of disaster. The statistical inquiry provides us a broad scenario which reveals that rainfall is
primary cause of occurrence of flash flood. But uncertainties in rainfall have increased in recent years.

19
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