Monsoon woes: Northeast States need a long-term plan to deal with floods, Pg8

The Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon triggered severe flooding across northeastern States.

In Assam, over 3 lakh people affected in 19 districts; 10 major rivers crossed danger marks.

Tripura and Sikkim reported intense rain, landslides, and flooding; 22 deaths on May 31 alone.

1,500 tourists marooned in North Sikkim due to landslides; a bus accident in the Teesta River resulted in casualties.

Despite an IMD forecast of below-normal rainfall, high base-level rains in the region result in regular disasters.

The region also experiences a second monsoon (Oct–Dec), intensifying its vulnerability.

The Bay of Bengal monsoon onset, though vital, often brings devastating consequences due to topography and weak infrastructure.

The localised impacts are exacerbated due to high hydro-meteorological sensitivity of the region.

The northeast’s persistent infrastructural lag, despite its complex terrain, demands strategic central and state-level planning.

Seasonal vulnerability, compounded by climate variability and weak disaster-resilient infrastructure, has created a recurring humanitarian crisis.

A multi-State disaster resilience framework, incorporating early warning systems, sustainable infrastructure, and community preparedness, is necessary.

Monsoon Branches: The Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branches deliver rainfall to different regions in staggered patterns.

Base-Level Rainfall: Refers to the average rainfall typically received by a region; northeast has one of the highest in India.

Hydro-meteorological Hazards: Natural events involving water and weather such as floods, landslides, and cloudbursts.

Mains Mock Question:

Monsoon in northeastern India is both a lifeline and a liability. Discuss the challenges faced by the region due to monsoon-induced disasters and suggest long-term policy measures for mitigation.