Analyzing the 2025 Monsoon: Erratic Rainfall Patterns and India's Disaster Response Mechanism
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Geography of India (Indian Monsoon, Western Disturbances, Cloudburst); Disaster Management (NDMA, NDRF, NDRF fund); Environment (Climate Change).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Geography): Important Geophysical phenomena such as cyclone, floods, landslides etc.
General Studies Paper 3 (Disaster Management & Environment): Disaster and disaster management; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation.
Key Highlights from the News
The 2025 monsoon has been "above normal" so far, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts this trend will continue in September.
Officially, there's no increase in cloudbursts, but there is an increase in highly localized intense rainfall, which can be described as "mini-cloudbursts."
There's significant regional disparity in rainfall distribution: Northwest India received 26% excess rainfall, while the East-Northeast states experienced a 17% deficit.
The intense rainfall in North India is attributed to the simultaneous arrival of Western Disturbances from the Mediterranean and low-pressure systems from the Bay of Bengal.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has formed Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to assess the damage in states affected by floods and landslides.
Based on the IMCT's report, additional financial assistance will be provided to states from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
According to a significant 2019 decision, the Centre will send an IMCT immediately after a disaster, without waiting for a request from the state.
Detailed Explanation: Key Concepts
Indian Monsoon and its recent trends:
Due to climate change, the monsoon's nature is changing. The current trend shows a decrease in the number of rainy days and an increase in the amount of rain received on each rainy day. This can lead to both floods and droughts simultaneously.
Cloudburst:
This is an extremely intense phenomenon where more than 10 centimeters (100 mm) of rain falls within one hour over a small area (less than 30 square kilometers). These are very difficult to predict.
Western Disturbances:
These are storm systems originating in the Mediterranean region that bring rain and snowfall to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent during winter. During the monsoon season, when they merge with monsoon winds, they can cause extremely heavy rainfall in the Himalayan states.
Disaster Management Framework in India:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): This is the apex body for disaster management in India. The Prime Minister is its chairperson.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): This is a specialized force formed for rescue operations during disasters.
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): This fund was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It provides immediate assistance to states during major disasters, in addition to the states' SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund).
COMMENTS