Major Flood-prone Areas - India | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Major Flood-prone Areas
Flood-Prone Areas in India
India has three primary regions that are susceptible to flooding: Central India and
Deccan, the Ganges and Brahmaputra regions, and the Northwest. Flooding in
Page 2


Major Flood-prone Areas
Flood-Prone Areas in India
India has three primary regions that are susceptible to flooding: Central India and
Deccan, the Ganges and Brahmaputra regions, and the Northwest. Flooding in
Major Flood-prone Areas
these areas is caused by factors such as tidal flooding, coastal erosion, continuous
rainfall, and landslides.
1. Deccan and Central India: This region experiences cyclones that result in
floods. Contributing factors include rising sea levels, tidal flooding, and
erosion along the coasts.
2. The Ganges: Heavy rainfall and earthquakes undermine the riverbeds,
making this region prone to flooding.
3. Brahmaputra: Landslides, earthquakes, and intense rainfall disrupt the
natural flow of the river.
4. Northwest: Inadequate drainage systems exacerbate flooding in this area.
Urban Floods
Urban areas in India, including Patna, Chennai, and Mumbai, have witnessed
floods due to poor planning of drainage systems and unplanned city expansion.
1. Urban floods are mainly caused by climate change and globalization.
2. Improper disposal of garbage also contributes to urban flooding.
3. Economic, social, and political factors influence policies that can worsen the
situation.
Flood Warning System in India
India employs various measures to prevent and control floods, including the use
of flood warning systems to gather information and develop strategies to mitigate
the impact of natural disasters.
1. One such system is the Integrated Flood Warning System (IFLOWS).
2. Preserving mangrove forests acts as a natural defense against cyclones,
making their conservation crucial in coastal areas.
3. Strengthening policies and laws to protect natural resources, particularly
land, can help prevent degradation and mitigate flooding risks.