Representative Image (Associated Press)
A year after the devastating deluge in Uttarakhand, Central Water Commission (CWC) is
developing mathematical models to "quickly" assess the extent of damage landslides may cause in the Himalayan states of the country.
These models would come in handy to forewarn residents of localities which fall in the vicinity of the trouble zone about the impending danger, besides alerting authorities to take necessary steps to protect lives and property.
"Take the case of recent floods in Kosi river and landslides. Reports were rife that there would be serious implications. But, when we analysed it using mathematical model, we found that the intensity of the river would reduce gradually, though flood waves were high in the upper regions," an official observed.
Mathematical models are abstract models, which use mathematical language to describe the behaviour of a particular system.
With maps and pictures, experts design the model to analyse the pressure of flood waves. This would give a clear picture on the pressure of flood waves, behaviour of the river and whether landslides would be detrimental. In certain cases, pictures could be clicked from the spot for this purpose.
Tthe mathematical models would be developed for river basins of Himalayas falling in states including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal
Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.
Hundreds perished in the unprecedented flash floods caused by cloudburst in Uttarakhand in 2013. This led to massive landslides in the Himalayan state, cutting off several villages on the slopes from the rest of India for a few days.