The storm that lashed Meghalaya for the last two days has caused maximum damage to Garo Hills, with many areas submerged under water. Climate change is upon us and it’s time to get into action mode. Much has been talked about the impact of climate change on cropping patterns. Now we see the devastation by way of unprecedented rains that have washed away homes, people, bridges and public buildings including government storage for food grains in Garo Hills. The scale of the devastation has to be assessed only after the flood waters have receded and the body count begins. Strong currents have rendered rescue operations extremely difficult although the BSF, Indian Air Force and Indian Army have been pressed into action. Perhaps a time has come to look at the existing architectural designs of homes and offices as well as re-asses the appropriate height for bridges and roads so that they are not washed away by recurrent flash floods.
Weather has become an unpredictable phenomenon. In the month of July, Garo Hills was facing a drought like situation; now it has been flooded twice over. Crops are destroyed and calamity awaits those who depend on their crops for a livelihood. Climate change adaptation methods now need to be operational at the ground level and those who live closest to nature and subsist on its bounty but are also the first to be affected by freak weather conditions need to be given the support and know-how to adapt to these sudden disasters. The State Government too will have to be more robust in urban planning and management. Too often the storm drains are clogged and create prevent the sudden outflow of water after a heavy rain. This leads to flooding or collapse of walls and houses. Especially dangerous are the multi-storied buildings with foundations that are liable to be eroded by sudden force of water. The National Disaster Response Force too needs to be more visible in terms of its engagement with the public and in creating mass awareness about how to deal with floods. The NDRF has given much stress in mitigating disasters caused by earthquakes but has perhaps not done much to sensitise people on how to cope with floods and with climate change. Co-ordinated efforts are needed to deal with increasing natural disasters.