Strategies for Mitigating Extreme Flooding: China and Slovenia Cases

Strategies for Mitigating Extreme Flooding: China and Slovenia Cases

Subject :Geography

Section: Places in news

Deadly Flooding in China and Slovenia

• China’s Impact:
  • Typhoon Doksuri led to severe flooding and 40+ deaths in northeast China, including historic rainfall in Beijing.
• Slovenia’s Situation:
  • Heavy rain caused flooding, landslides, and a dam breach affecting two-thirds of Slovenia.
  • Other European countries also faced harsh weather.

India’s Flood Vulnerability and Management:

• Monsoon Impact: Heavy monsoon rains trigger floods, affecting regions like Kerala and Assam. For instance, the 2018 Kerala floods led to extensive damage.
• Himalayan Rivers: Rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers can cause flash floods, as seen in the 2013 Uttarakhand disaster.
• Urban Challenges: Poor drainage in cities results in urban flooding during monsoons. Mumbai’s frequent waterlogging showcases this issue.
• Deforestation: Reduced forest cover amplifies flood risk. The 2019 floods in Karnataka’s Kodagu region highlighted this concern.
• Coastal Threats: Coastal areas like Odisha face cyclone-induced flooding, such as Cyclone Fani in 2019.
• Climate Change Influence: Changing weather patterns contribute to increased flood events. Bihar’s annual Kosi River flooding reflects this trend.

Key Flood Management Strategies:

• Flood Forecasting: Central Water Commission predicts flood events using river gauges and observatories.
• Disaster Management Framework: The Disaster Management Act guides preparedness and response, with the NDRF mobilizing during crises.
• Integrated River Basin Approach: Sustainable water use balancing agriculture and flood control.
• Floodplain Zoning: Regulating construction in flood-prone areas.
• Infrastructure Development: Building embankments, dams, and reservoirs.
• Community Involvement: Awareness campaigns in flood-prone regions.
• Climate Resilience: Adapting strategies to changing flood patterns due to climate change.

Places in News:

Slovenia:

Location: Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and Italy.

Coastline: Small Adriatic Sea coastline (Gulf of Trieste), with Koper as the main port.

Capital: Ljubljana.

Rivers: Sava, Drava, Mura.

Famous Sites:

• Lake Bled: Scenic glacial lake with island and castle.
• Postojna Cave: Extensive cave system with formations.
• Predjama Castle: Built into a cave mouth.
• Škocjan Caves: Canyon and biodiversity.
• Soca River: Emerald waters, adventure sports.
• Piran: Coastal town with Venetian charm.
• Triglav National Park: Alpine landscapes.

Geology: Karst landscape with caves, sinkholes, and rivers.

Mountains:

• Julian Alps: Triglav Peak is the highest in Slovenia.
• Kamnik-Savinja Alps: Known for diverse scenery.

Language: Official language is Slovene.

Mura-Drava-Danube (MDD) was declared as the world’s first ‘five-country biosphere reserve’ by UNESCO.

• Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia