Indians question how far flash-flooding disaster was man made
Boom in religious tourism and hydroelectric projects may have contributed to disaster in Uttarakhand
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| Indian rescuers help stranded people cross a flooded river in Uttarakhand. Photograph: Reuters |
About 1,000 people have been confirmed dead in Uttarakhand state from last week's flooding, and state authorities say the actual toll could be three to five times higher.
The
Himalayas are a relatively young mountain range with a fragile geology
prone to landslides. The deluge on 17 June destroyed towns, villages,
roads and bridges for more than 60 miles along the banks of the
Mandakini and the Alaknanda, two important tributaries of the Ganges
river.
The origin of the disaster is beyond dispute: a glacier
ruptured under the pressure of water from a severe cloudburst, raining
tonnes of ice, water and rock on the Hindu pilgrimage town of Kedarnath,
on the left bank of the Mandakini.
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| The Kedarnath Temple (C) is pictured amid damaged surroundings by flood waters at Rudraprayag in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand - Reuters |
A recent article in Science magazine
warned against damage to the ecosystem from badly planned, poorly
monitored projects. The region is known for its biodiversity – its
flowers, butterflies and Mahseer fish. Science estimated that habitat
degradation from dam building in the Himalayas could lead to the
disappearance of 29 species of flowering plants and terrestrial and
aquatic life.
(report share courtesy: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/28)
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New satellite images of Kedarnath clearly indicate the devastation which has taken place there.
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The Kedarnath valley is seismically and ecologically very sensitive and
fragile. On 16th night and 17th June morning two major cloudbursts hit
the valley causing mass damage to property and human lives. Pre and post
event satellite image shows the mass damage to property and other
infrastructure.
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The comparison images also highlight that in the past one stream used to
flow in the background of Kedarnath shrine, which used to form two
after coming down. New image shows the birth of a new third stream. The
channel of the stream too has become broad after the disaster.
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| The report rejects the theory of glacier breaking and also the role of Basuka lake in the destruction. The document claims that the Chaurabari and Companion glaciers are intact but one middle moraine debris was washed away by heavy flow of water in the stream. |
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| The report rejects the theory of glacier breaking and also the role of Basuka lake in the destruction. The document claims that the Chaurabari and Companion glaciers are intact but one middle moraine debris was washed away by heavy flow of water in the stream. |
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| Pre and post satellite data proves that the Gandhi Sarovar (also called
Chaurabari lake) is seasonal in nature. The water level of the lake
increased at a dangerous level due to continuous rain, triggering the
stream and lakes to overflow by saturating the moraines. The report states, "Antecedent rainfall saturated the area and suddenly exceeds the limit on 16th and 17th June which is one of the reasons for the activation of landslide and flash flood in the region that has caused huge damage to lives and property in the Mandakani valley."
Post
event satellite image shows Rambara, where maximum casualties took
place, disappearing from the map. Image shows clear signs of heavy
landslide taking place there. Rambara was located 7 kms from Gaurikund,
and the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath used to takea pit stop there.
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| Making an observation about the high velocity of debris which created widespread damage, the report marks the high gradient slope from Kedarnath to Ramabara and Gaurikund which has led to colossal damage to infrastructure, lives and property in the downstream. |
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| The new satellite image of Gaurikund also exhibit's the fury of the swollen Mandakani. |
Note: NASA satellite images show new stream in Kedarnath after disaster
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