STH has been tracking and reporting on storms for more than a decade even though now we report largely on a What'sApp group called 'Hazard Alerts'.
In May2023, the very quiet seas in the Bay of Bengal and eastern Pacific suddenly became active and brewed several big storms.
Cyclone 'Mocha' which formed in the Bay of Bengal around 08May2023 and we tracked and reported on the storm extensively:-
I have always been fond of both computers and photography, so I am amazed by the awesome capablities of ChatGPT. I also shudder at what AI can do in art, photography and maybe even music.
To learn a little more about AI in photography, I have been tinkering around with playgroundai.com since yesterday. This is a free AI software on the internet.
Placed below are several images I created since then and am shocked how realistic they become as one gains more experience in using the software. I used keywords related to the Himalayas and landslides to generate the first 3 images and then on earthquakes and dams to create the latter two.
Keywords related to Landslides and Himalayas
The first cyclone of 2023 (Cyclone MOCHA) is expected to form in the Bay of Bengal in a few days.
Forecast positions of the storm (using the GFS model) have been published by windy.com.
Placed below are the forecast positions from the website.
In Dec 2022, India assumed the Presidency of G20 which is a group of 20 nations which have come together to address some of the major issues of the world. In this C20 or Civil 20 is one of the many engagement groups which will forward its policy recommendations later in the year to the G20 group for consideration.
What is the C20?
Well, C20 provides a platform to Civil Society Organizations of countries in the G20 group to voice their perspectives on the many issues in which civil society has a role. In this regard, the Chair of C20 is Amma ((Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi) and a Conclave on 'Sustainable and Resilient Communities' was organized by the Amrita Organization along with the Govt of Sikkim on the 29/30April at Chintan Bhavan in Gangtok, SIkkim.
I recently came across a study done primarily on major US media networks titled 'How many deaths does it take for a disaster to receive news coverage' (Source: Eisensee and Stromberg (2007)). The two authors found out that for every person killed by a volcano 882 people have to die of landslides to receive the same coverage in US televised news. This creates dangerous biases and affects the attention given to landslides as a disaster. Disasters like landslides are less 'spectacular', with fewer dramatic stories and therefore not documented. Though the data is for the US media networks there are many examples of how landslides have been ignored in our region as well. To refer to a recent instance, we documented how the landslide in Pathing was overlooked for over 3 months which caused severe distress to the lives and livelihood of the people there. You can view the videos here.
Having heard so much about AI and ChatGPT, I decided to try it out and asked it to write a 1000word essay on 'Hazards in the Himalayas'.
Of course, I gave it many key words to keep it focused on the topic. I think it has done a marvelous job even though raw data is missing. Here it is:
"The Himalayan mountain range, stretching across several countries, is one of the most majestic and awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world. However, this magnificent landscape is also incredibly fragile and vulnerable to a wide range of hazards that pose significant risks to human life and livelihoods. From tectonic movements and seismic risks to heavy rainfall, extreme weather, and climate change, the Himalayas face a variety of hazards that require careful management and mitigation.
One of the most significant hazards facing the Himalayas is the risk of seismic activity. The region sits on a major fault line, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes and other tectonic movements. The seismic risk in the Himalayas is further amplified by the fact that the mountains themselves are relatively new, having formed only in the last 50 million years or so. This means that the rocks and other geological features in the region are still relatively unstable and prone to shifting and moving over time.
The heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions that are common in the Himalayas are also a significant hazard for those living in the region. In particular, cloud bursts, which can dump huge amounts of water in a short period of time, can lead to devastating flooding and landslides. These events are becoming increasingly common as a result of climate change, which is causing more extreme weather patterns in the region.
Human interference in the form of unplanned constructions, dams, and road construction is also a major hazard for the Himalayas. These activities can disrupt natural drainage patterns, increase the risk of landslides, and alter the fragile ecosystem of the region. In particular, the Uttarakhand disaster of 2013, which was triggered by unplanned construction and deforestation, highlighted the risks posed by such activities in the region.
Rapid population growth in the region is also creating new hazards for the Himalayas. As more and more people move into the region, there is increasing pressure on natural resources, leading to conflicts over water, food, and other basic needs. This is particularly true in areas where water sources are already scarce, leading to drying springs and water insecurity.
The Himalayas are also home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including endangered species such as the snow leopard and the Himalayan black bear. However, human-wildlife conflict is becoming increasingly common in the region as a result of habitat loss and other pressures. This conflict can lead to serious risks for both humans and animals, as well as damage to crops and other livelihoods.
Despite the many hazards facing the Himalayas, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of the region. For example, improved land-use planning and management can help to reduce the risks of landslides and other natural disasters. Similarly, efforts to conserve natural resources and protect wildlife habitats can help to reduce conflicts and promote greater ecological stability.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that the challenges facing the Himalayas are complex and multifaceted. Addressing these challenges will require a comprehensive approach that takes into account the diverse needs and perspectives of the region's many stakeholders. This means engaging with local communities, governments, NGOs, and other actors to develop strategies and solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
In conclusion, the hazards facing the Himalayas are numerous and significant, but they are not insurmountable. By working together to address these challenges, we can help to ensure the long-term sustainability of this remarkable natural wonder. Whether through improved land-use planning, wildlife conservation, or other measures, it is up to all of us to take action to protect the Himalayas and the people and animals who call it home.
Praful Rao,
Kalimpong district
Darjeeling- Sikkim Himalayas
savethehills@gmail.com
9475033744
One of the main roles of STH is to raise awareness about the landslide and environmental issues of this region and we do this thru the year, and year after year at various levels, starting with the grassroots in remote villages to talking at the national level.
We did this again this year with students from Framingham State University and then Colby College on the 03 & 21Jan2023 at Anu and Rajiv's place in Deolo, Kalimpong.
