Heavy Rains In South India: A Sign of Global Warming
Heavy Rains In South India: A Sign of Global Warming
Global warming has become a common phenomenon across the globe now. Unprecendented heavy rains have lashed the southern state of Kerala over the past few days. This summer, the rains have been a crucial factor in determining monsoonal disturbances. Heavy rains could also weaken southwest monsoon, according to the member of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, Mr. Shekhar Lukose Kuriakose. In fact, scientists are now agreeing that last month's prediction of below normal monsoon during this year could be true, according to the assessement of the Indian Meterological Department (IMD).
Kerala is the gateway for the monsoon in the main parts of the country. It has experienced heavy rain over the past few days. Currently, there are about 3 weeks left before the estimated start of the southwesterly monsoon in South Asia. Kerala is facing heavy loss of lives and livelihoods as the result of this change in rainfall pattern and intensity. Kerala's revenue minister has declared that 18 persons have lost their lives and monetary losses of over 250 crore have been incurred due to heavy showers since April.
Crop destruction of around 20 crore has occurred due to heavy rainfall in Kerala. Currently, over 110 crore rupees are being sought as interim relief due to the destruction caused by the extremely heavy rainfall. Scientists such as Shekhar are now discussing whether the deep depression over the sea causing the heavy rains is a manifestation of global warming.
Professor Shekhar is also part of the Kerala Disaster Management Centre. He has discussed how pre-monsoon showers in the country are minimal when normal weather conditions prevail. This heavy rainfall is a freak of nature. It is unexpectedly heavy leading to speculations that global warming will cause a massive change in the monsoon patterns. Professor Shekhar has also discussed how currentl intense summer rains which are lashing south India are likely to cause temprature patterns which will then lead to a below normal monsoon. The El Nino effect is going to cause below normal monsoon this year, according to the Met department. A forecast of 95% rainfall has been made by the IMD because of the warming of the ocean waters due to El Nino.
The heavy rains that lashed central districts of Kerala since the past few days and have continued till now are a part of the climate change slated to come across due to global warming. When the White House released a report on how global warming is going to change the climate of the world and the US should be prepared for more disasters and floods in coming years, it was sounding a warning for its citizens. The heavy rains in Kerala and other parts of South India could well be a wakeup call for Indian authorities. Several low-lying areas in district headquarters of Kerala were submerged due to the heavy rains. Many hectares of rice paddy crop have been damaged in Kuttanad in the Alappuzha district due to the unprecendented rains.
If industrialists and governments do not realise the massive damage to lives and businesses due to climate change and global warming, they will be committing a crime against humanity. In one area called Cherthala in Kerala, the magnititude of the submersion has left authorities dismayed for this is the first time in the last 20 years that such massive damage has been inflicted in a single night of rain. If a single night of rain can cause this, one is worried about the impact of consecutive rainfall of such a degree. Global warming is here to stay unless timely action is taken. Only active vigilance and prompt action can achieve desired results.
