Climate change poses danger to Ladakh

Arteev Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 22

The recent cloudburst incident in three villages of Leh district in Ladakh, cold desert in the Trans-Himalayas, has exposed the region’s vulnerability to recurring cloudbursts and flooding caused by rapid climate changes and receding glaciers.

Though there are “very limited” studies on cloudbursts and flash floods in Ladakh, experts believe the global warming and receding glaciers are major reasons for recurring, now almost annual, disasters in the region that always leave a trail of damaged houses, ravaged fields, uprooted orchards and abruptly ended lives.

“There is no doubt that Ladakh has become more prone to cloudbursts due to unusual climate change. It is turning hotter due to global warming. The snow cover of glaciers is receding. This has contributed to Ladakh’s vulnerability to flooding and cloudbursts,” said Prof GM Bhat, a noted geologist.

According to recent studies, temperature in Ladakh has increased by almost 3 degrees Celsius during the past four decades, while in the rest of India, it rose by only 1 degree Celsius. The studies showed that it has impacted the region’s snow and rain cycles.

Prof Shakil A Romshoo, head of the earth sciences department, Kashmir University, said the recent trends had showed an increased frequency of cloudbursts in high altitude and Himalayan regions, including Ladakh.

“We don’t have any comparative studies or data to know whether there is an increase in the frequency of cloudbursts compared to past occurrences of such incidents, but the recent trends being witnessed since 2010 cloudburst in Ladakh have shown an upward swing in cloudburst and flooding incidents. The rise in temperature leads to increased evaporation and subsequent cloud formation in the hills, which enhance the possibility of cloudbursts,” said Prof Romshoo.

He said most of such events go unreported due to lack of monitoring and communication mechanisms in the region.

Sonam Lotus, regional director, Meteorological Department, said, “It would be premature to say whether the intensity of flooding and cloudbursts has increased. Earlier, such incidents remained unreported, but now, each and every event is reported due to social media.”

Trail of disasters 

• August 8, 2018: Cloudburst caused heavy damage in Saboo, Shey Stakmo and Stakna villages in Leh
• August 2017: 4 persons washed away in flash floods in the Achena Lungba river in Achinathang village
• August 2015: Unusual spells of rain and flash floods caused a loss of Rs 167 crore to public property in Ladakh
• May 2015: Flash floods due to breach of the Phuktal river blockade washed away several bridges, schools and houses
• August 2014: Gya village witnessed a glacial lake outburst flood, destroying farmlands, crops and a couple of houses
• August 2010: A spate of cloudbursts and subsequent flash floods claimed 255 lives