Landslides are one of the most indispensable natural disaster phenomena that involve the downward movement of rocks, soil, and debris along a slope. The landslides have been occurring in the Himalayas for thousands of years. However, some research papers suggest that the frequency and strength of landslides have increased in recent years. This increase can be attributed to human-induced changes and natural factors. While other factors like heavy precipitation and tsunamis and the inherent instability of the landscape play a momentous role, human activities such as tropical deforestation, insufficient construction development, and mining progress have exacerbated the situation.
Climate change and its impacts
Climate change is characterized by global warming and different weather patterns affecting ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide. The Himalayas are no exception. The region has a more fervent change in temperature, heavy rainfall patterns and glacier dynamics which is that of all influence the incidence of landslides.
Rising temperatures and melting glaciers
The Himalayas have a higher rate of warming than the average worldwide. The increase in temperature is due to the fast-tracked melting of glaciers, which has led to an intensification in meltwater volume. On the other hand, excess water can saturate the soil, increasing the risk of landslides on slopes. Additionally, the melting of glaciers can result in the creation of glacial lakes. When the lakes overflow or breach through their natural barriers (moraine dams), they can unleash catastrophic floods (outburst floods) that frequently cause landslides.
Changes in rainfall patterns
Climate change is also affecting the hefty rainfall patterns in the Himalayas. Some regions have increased rainfall, while others may have a more intense and prolonged monsoon season. The hefty precipitation could cause slope, which decreases stability and activates landslides. In contrast, changes in snowfall patterns and the timing of snow melting can also impact the stability of slopes. For instance, the sudden influx of water can destabilize slopes if snow melts too rapidly as a result of increasing temperatures.
Few case Studies: Landslides in the Himalayas
It would be useful for studies from the Himalayan region better to understand the relationship between climate change and landslides.
Leh Cloudburst (2010)
In August 2010, in India, the Leh-Ladakh area had a marvellous cloudburst, leading to flash floods and landslides due to the prevalent destruction and loss of life. This region's intense precipitation was the result of shifting weather patterns attributed to climate change. The Himalayas are particularly heightening to landslides due to their steep terrain, which is combined with sudden water influx and weather patterns driven by climate change.
Kedarnath Tragedy (2013)
The Kedarnath region in Uttarakhand, India, experienced tremendous natural disasters in June 2013. The result of significance is excessive cloudbursts and heavy rainfall that have generated massive landslides, disasters, and floods, resulting in disruption of life and property. These functions, such as disasters, weather patterns and landslides, emphasized the importance of various events in the region.
Nepal Earthquake (2015)
The earthquake in Nepal in April 2015 caused numerous landslides throughout the Himalayan region. However, the seismic activity was active, and the primary initiation of the principal role cannot be overlooked by the change in the climate. The earthquake-persuaded landslides were increased by climate change, which had debilitated slopes due to increased rainfall and temperature rise.
Chamoli disaster, India (2021)
There was a massive landslide and flash flood in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, in February 2021. The disaster was linked to the collapse of a hanging glacier, which experts believe was influenced by climate change.
Glacial Collapse: It is thought that rising temperatures and increased glacial melt could have made the glacier less stable and eventually caused it to fall.
Flash Floods and Debris Flow: The glacial collapse triggered a high-velocity flash flood, carrying debris and causing widespread destruction downstream.
Reference:
1. The Kathmandu Post: Climate change to cause frequent landslides in the Himalayan region, including Nepal, says NASA
2. India Today: Chamoli disaster: The unnoticed slope movement that began in 2016 led to the Himalayan tragedy in 2021
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