Climate Change Is Causing a Landslide Crisis In the Himalayas

The majority of annual rain in the Himalayas pours in during the monsoon season from June to September. But it’s the sudden, intense cloudbursts, which are like clouds bursting open like balloons, that are particularly alarming. With the intensification of such cloudbursts due to climate change, the slopes of the Himalayas are saturating and becoming unstable more often, leading to landslides.

The magnitude of this crisis was felt deeply in 2023. From July to August, Himachal Pradesh, in the northern part of India, witnessed a significant number of these cloudbursts, resulting in a series of devastating landslides. The aftermath was staggering: over 500 lives lost, more than 2,200 homes destroyed, and approximately 10,000 more damaged, causing estimated losses of around US$1.2 billion.

But what’s worsening this situation? While Climate change plays a significant role, human actions have also made the Himalayas more susceptible. Deforestation has removed the stabilizing tree roots, and unchecked construction on fragile slopes has increased vulnerability. Many damages occurred on artificially cut slopes where there was no provision for proper drainage or slope safety. Outdated construction guidelines and the overlooking of urbanization’s impact on landslide risk further exacerbate the problem.

However, hope is not lost. Implementing engineering solutions, such as the “climate adaptive barrier layer“, can help prevent landslides by holding rainwater temporarily during intense rainfall, and then releasing it during drier periods. Updated construction guidelines that consider the changing climate can also play a significant role in safeguarding communities.

While the Himalayas might not escape the effects of global warming and increased cloudbursts soon, adopting preventive measures can certainly boost their resilience against this looming threat. It’s time to protect the crown of India and its communities from the adverse impacts of climate change.

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• Devastating India Flood Reminds Us of the Silent Threat of Melting Glaciers

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