A significant land area in India is prone to floods due to the extensive river networks, monsoon rains, and coastal regions. The precise percentage of flood-prone land may vary over time and regions within the country.
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India, a country known for its diverse geography and varied climatic conditions, experiences a significant land area prone to floods. The susceptibility to flooding arises from multiple factors such as extensive river networks, intense monsoon rains, and vulnerable coastal regions. While it is difficult to provide an exact figure for the land area in question, it is undeniable that floods pose a significant challenge to India’s infrastructure, agriculture, and overall development.
Floods occur throughout the country, affecting various states and regions differently. The frequency and extent of flooding can vary greatly, making it crucial to adapt to changing conditions. The Indian government and local authorities have been engaged in extensive efforts to mitigate the impact of floods and improve preparedness measures.
Interesting facts about the flood-prone areas in India:
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Extensive River Systems: India is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, including major ones like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Godavari. These rivers, with their vast catchment areas, have the potential to cause devastating floods during heavy rainfall or when combined with upstream water releases from dams.
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Monsoon Rains: The southwest monsoon brings vital rainfall to India, but it also leads to heavy downpours that can overwhelm drainage systems. The uneven distribution of rainfall across the country further contributes to flood risk.
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Coastal Vulnerability: India has a long coastline, and low-lying coastal areas are particularly susceptible to both riverine and tidal floods. Cyclones and storm surges pose additional challenges, especially in states along the Bay of Bengal like Odisha and West Bengal.
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Impact on Agriculture: Floods can wreak havoc on agricultural lands, destroying crops and disrupting the livelihoods of farmers. The Indian economy heavily relies on agriculture, making flood protection and disaster resilience crucial for food security.
Overall, the flood-prone areas in India are not only vast but also require continual efforts to mitigate their impact. As environmentalist Rajendra Singh once said, “Floods are an adversary, but one with whom we must learn to coexist.” By adopting sustainable land and water management practices, investing in flood control infrastructure, and improving early warning systems, India strives to strike a balance between economic development and flood resilience.
Table:
| State | Approximate Flood-Prone Area (%) |
|---|---|
| Assam | 40% |
| Bihar | 76% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 14% |
| West Bengal | 33% |
| Kerala | 24% |
| Gujarat | 12% |
| Maharashtra | 18% |
| Tamil Nadu | 9% |
Please note that the table above provides a general idea of flood-prone areas in some states of India, but the percentages may vary over time due to factors like infrastructure development and natural changes. It is essential to consult updated reports and studies for more accurate and localized data.
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Every year, Bihar experiences floods due to several factors. The low land elevation in the northern and northeastern regions of Bihar, along with its proximity to the terai region, causes rivers originating from Nepal to enter Bihar. During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall in both Bihar and Nepal leads to an increase in water levels in these rivers. Consequently, the water rushes towards the lowland areas, particularly in northern Bihar, resulting in heavy floods in the villages located along the banks of these rivers. Eventually, the rivers flow southward and drain into the Ganga, dividing Bihar into two parts: north Bihar and south Bihar.
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40 million hectaresAbout 58.6 per cent of the landmass of India is prone to earthquakes of moderate to very high intensity. An area over 40 million hectares (12 per cent of land) is prone to floods. Out of the 7516 km, a long coastline close to 5,700 km is prone to cyclones and tsunamis.
Over 40 million hectares (12 per cent of land) is prone to floods and river erosion.
Over 40 Million hectares which is nearly 12 % of the total land area is prone to floods and river erosions. Flood predictions require data like amount of rainfall occurring on a real time basis, type of storm producing the moisture, duration, intensity and areal extent can determine the severity of flooding.
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Any plain low-lying area adjacent a river, lagoon or lake is also more likely to have floods anytime the water level rises. Over 40 million hectares (12 per cent of land) is prone to floods and river erosion. Was this answer helpful?