Cyclones, Floods & Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
Hydro-meteorological disasters account for the largest proportion of climate-induced disruptions in India. Tropical cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea are monitored by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) utilizing Doppler weather radars, INSAT satellite imagery, and a four-stage color-coded warning protocol (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red). Riverine flood management is spearheaded by the Central Water Commission (CWC), which operates a nationwide telemetry and flood forecasting network across major river basins. In high-altitude Himalayan catchments, climate change has accelerated glacial retreat, giving rise to vulnerable moraine-dammed glacial lakes susceptible to catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Mitigation strategies encompass early warning acoustic sensors, controlled siphoning, and integrated river basin planning.
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues cyclone alerts via four color codes: Green (Normal), Yellow (Watch), Orange (Alert), and Red (Warning).
- The Central Water Commission (CWC) operates over 300 flood forecasting stations across major Indian river basins.
- South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim experienced a major Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023 following torrential rainfall.
- The Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) project builds multi-purpose cyclone shelters along vulnerable coastlines.