DAM FAILURES

Dam failures refer to the sudden and unintended

breach or collapse of a dam structure, resulting in the
uncontrolled release of water. Such incidents can lead
to devastating consequences, including flooding,
damage to infrastructure, loss of life, and
environmental harm. Dam failures may occur due to a
variety of reasons, such as poor construction, design
flaws, inadequate maintenance, natural disasters, or
unforeseen geological factors.
Causes of Dam Failures:-

Dam failures occur when a dam, a large structure built to impound water for various
purposes such as water supply, irrigation, or hydropower generation, experiences a
catastrophic breach or malfunction. These failures can result from a range of factors,
including design flaws, poor maintenance, natural disasters such as earthquakes or
floods, foundation issues, erosion, landslides, and human activities. When a dam fails,
it can lead to the uncontrolled release of water, causing severe flooding downstream,
property damage, loss of life, and environmental impacts. Proper design, construction,
maintenance, and monitoring are essential to mitigate the risk of dam failures and
ensure the safety of communities and ecosystems downstream.
Diagrammatic representation of causes of Dam Failures
Effects of Dam Failures:-

 Flooding: Dam failures lead to uncontrolled water release, causing rapid and
extensive flooding downstream.
 Loss of Life and Property Damage: The sudden floods can result in the tragic loss
of human lives and significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and other property.
 Environmental Impact: Dam failures can harm ecosystems, lead to biodiversity
loss, and contaminate water bodies with debris and sediment.
 Displacement and Economic Impact: Communities downstream may face
displacement, and the economic impact includes costs of emergency response,
recovery, and long-term rebuilding.
 Infrastructure Failure: Downstream infrastructure, such as bridges and utilities, can
be damaged or destroyed, complicating emergency response efforts.
Effects of Dam Failures
 Social and Economic Disruption: Dam failures disrupt communities, causing long-
term social and economic challenges, including the loss of livelihoods and
displacement.
 Legal and Regulatory Repercussions: Dam failures often lead to legal
investigations, regulatory changes, and reevaluation of dam safety standards to
prevent future incidents.
 Environmental Changes: Altered landscapes from dam failures can result in long-
term changes to water quality, soil composition, and vegetation.
 Cultural Heritage Impact: Dam failures may damage or destroy cultural sites and
heritage downstream, impacting historical structures and artifacts.
 Emergency Response Challenges: The sudden nature of dam failures poses
challenges for emergency response, including rescue operations, evacuation, and
coordination of relief efforts.
Responses of Dam Failure at various
levels:-

National Level:

 Policy and Regulation: National governments establish comprehensive policies and regulations
to govern dam construction, operation, and maintenance. These frameworks set the standards for
dam safety, engineering practices, and environmental considerations.
 Monitoring and Assessment: National agencies, often responsible for water resources or
infrastructure, conduct periodic assessments of dams, monitor their performance, and ensure that
they adhere to the established safety standards.
State or Provincial Level:

 Licensing and Inspection: States or provinces play a pivotal role in overseeing dam
construction by issuing licenses and permits. They conduct regular inspections to
verify compliance with national standards, ensuring that dams within their jurisdiction
are well-maintained and safe.
 Emergency Preparedness: States develop and implement emergency preparedness
plans that outline procedures for responding to dam failures. This includes
coordination with national agencies, communication strategies, and evacuation plans.
District or Regional Level:

 Local Coordination: District or regional authorities coordinate with local governments,

emergency services, and relevant stakeholders to implement emergency plans effectively.
They ensure that information is disseminated to communities, and resources are allocated
efficiently.
 Risk Assessment: District or regional authorities conduct risk assessments based on
local conditions, taking into account factors like population density, proximity to critical
infrastructure, and the potential environmental impact of a dam failure.
Local Level:

 Emergency Response: Local governments and emergency services are the first responders
in the event of a dam failure. They coordinate evacuations, provide immediate relief, and
manage local resources to address the immediate impacts of flooding.
 Community Engagement: Local communities actively participate in understanding and
implementing emergency plans. Community members are educated about evacuation
procedures, early warning systems, and how to respond in case of a dam failure.
Case studies

Machu Dam Failure

In August 1979, Gujarat, India, experienced devastating floods due to intense monsoon rains that
overwhelmed Machhu Dam II. Despite the region being accustomed to monsoon storms, the scale of this
event surpassed expectations. As the storm intensified, water levels in the Machhu River rose rapidly,
putting pressure on the dam's infrastructure.
Operators at the dam responded by opening gates to release water, but three malfunctioning gates
hindered their efforts. By the time all gates were fully open, the dam was already near its maximum
capacity of 200,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), with water flowing at 196,000 cfs. This volume exceeded
the dam's designed capacity, leading to the overtopping of earthen embankments and the subsequent
failure of Machhu Dam II.
Warnings had been issued via All-India Radio, urging people to move to higher ground due to potential
dam issues. However, communication failures from the dam site meant that an official warning of the dam
failure did not reach many areas in time. In Lilapar, where residents heeded the warning, damage was
minimized. However, in Morbi, a larger town where flood events were not uncommon, many did not take
the warning seriously, leading to tragic consequences.
The floodwaters inundated Morbi, causing widespread destruction of buildings, loss
of livestock, and loss of lives. Estimates of casualties vary widely, ranging from 1,800
to as high as 25,000, with difficulties in accurate counting due to mass graves being
burned to prevent disease spread.
Following the disaster, an official inquiry was initiated but disbanded prematurely
without a conclusive report. Subsequent analyses, including one by Dr. Y. K. Murthy
in 1985, highlighted the inadequacy of the dam's spillway capacity, which was rebuilt
with a capacity of 872,000 cfs in 1989. This upgrade aimed to ensure greater
resilience against future extreme weather events, and the dam continues to operate
today, serving as a reminder of the importance of robust infrastructure in disaster-
prone regions.
Suggestions:-

To control and reduce geological disasters, we must implement community

awareness programs on disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and sustainable
land-use practices . We must engage local communities in workshops, drills, and
educational campaigns to enhance their understanding of potential risks and
encourage proactive measures. Additionally, collaborate with authorities to integrate
advanced technologies for real-time monitoring and timely communication of
potential threats.