What are the causes of the flood in Sikkim
Investigate the factors that led to the recent flood in Sikkim.
The recent flood in Sikkim can be attributed to several factors. Here is a point-wise explanation of the causes:
- Heavy rainfall: The primary cause of the flood was the incessant rainfall, which exceeded the region's normal precipitation levels. The heavy downpour resulted in a rapid increase in river water levels.
- Topography: Sikkim is a hilly area with steep slopes, which makes it prone to flash floods. The rapid flow of water from high altitudes leads to the flooding of low-lying areas.
- Glacial lake outburst: Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) can occur when glacial lakes suddenly discharge large volumes of water. The retreating glaciers due to climate change, combined with the heavy rainfall, could have contributed to a glacial lake outburst.
- Deforestation: Deforestation and improper land use practices may have disrupted natural water absorption and increased surface runoff in the region, exacerbating the flood situation.
- Inadequate infrastructure: Insufficient drainage systems, weak embankments, and poorly designed buildings can worsen the impact of flooding. Inadequate flood management infrastructure contributed to the scale of the disaster in Sikkim.
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