The monsoon season in the hills will begin in 2023. As everyone is aware, many natural calamities occur in northern India. We all know why this happens every year in the hills as the monsoon season begins. Because of a combination of geological and environmental causes, floods and landslides are widespread in hilly places.
The following are the most prominent reasons why hilly terrain are more prone to landslides and flooding:
Steep Slopes: Slope failures are more common in hilly places because to the steepness of the slopes. The gravitational force acting on slopes can be greater than the strength of the soil or rock, resulting in instability and hazardous landslides.
Geological Composition: Hilly locations frequently have geological compositions that contain weak or weakly consolidated rocks, loose soil, or layers of unstable materials. Under the effect of gravity or other triggering conditions such as severe rainfall or seismic activity, these materials are prone to sliding or slumping.
Weathering and Erosion: Hilly areas are subjected to weathering and erosion processes, which weaken the stability of slopes over time. Rainfall, freeze-thaw cycles, and the flow of water through the soil can gradually erode the slopes, making them more susceptible to landslides.
Heavy Rainfall: Hilly areas frequently receive a lot of rain, especially during the monsoon season. Rainfall that is intense or prolonged saturates the soil, increasing its weight and decreasing its strength. This extra water puts pressure on the slopes, reducing their stability and causing landslides.
Earthquakes: Hilly areas are frequently found in seismically active areas. Earthquakes can cause severe ground shaking, destabilising slopes and triggering landslides. The shaking can cause the soil or rock mass to move downslope.
Human Activities: Human activities in hilly areas, such as deforestation, road or building construction, and poor land-use practises, can significantly alter the natural balance of slopes. Vegetation removal destroys the root systems that help bind the soil together, increasing the risk of landslides. Excavation and poor construction techniques can also jeopardise slope stability.
It is important to note that the combination of these factors can significantly increase the likelihood of landslides in hilly areas. However, not all hilly areas are equally prone to landslides, as factors like local geology, climate, and human intervention play a crucial role in determining the vulnerability of a specific location.
Himari Ganga Padhar Stunning Place in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 