Around the world, natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires have wreaked havoc. The necessity of efficient disaster management is underscored by the regularity and severity of these occurrences. According to the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), over 96 million people were affected by 409 natural disasters worldwide in 2020, resulting in over 15,000 fatalities. World Bank estimates indicate that the total economic losses from natural catastrophes between 1998 and 2017 exceeded $3.5 trillion, both directly and indirectly. The areas affected by these financial losses are permanently hindered, impeding their ability to recover and grow.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the frequency and intensity of natural disasters are increasing due to climate change. Extreme weather occurrences are exacerbated by rising global temperatures, further exposing vulnerable areas. The IPCC’s 2021 report categorically emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change to mitigate the occurrence of catastrophic events.
Natural disasters frequently cause large-scale displacement as well as humanitarian issues. In 2020, 40.5 million people were displaced due to natural disasters, with climate-related occurrences being the main cause, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). Effective disaster management is especially important since displaced populations face difficulties in finding housing, food, water, and medical care.
The necessity of international cooperation in disaster response and preparedness was emphasized in the 2015 United Nations adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Building resilience and reducing the impact of disasters worldwide are the goals of several organizations, such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
Winter Disaster Management Strategies
Winter disaster management strategies encompass early warning systems, infrastructure resilience, community preparedness, search and rescue operations, and international cooperation. To effectively prepare for disasters, the implementation of an early warning system is essential. Global meteorological agencies utilize cutting-edge technologies to forecast extreme weather events, enabling the implementation of preventative measures. Leading the world in the creation and application of early warning systems for hurricanes, tornadoes, and winter storms is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States.
Infrastructure must be designed and maintained with resilience to withstand the effects of winter disasters. This encompasses bridges and roads that are well-maintained, avalanche barriers, and reinforced buildings. Infrastructure designs in Switzerland and Austria, whose alpine regions face similar challenges, consider the potential risks associated with significant snowfall and avalanches.
It is crucial to inform and prepare communities for winter calamities. Drills, training courses, and community involvement projects enhance response and awareness. Nordic nations, such as Sweden and Norway, routinely involve their communities in winter readiness exercises, equipping locals with the necessary tools to deal with harsh winter weather.
During winter disasters, effective search and rescue activities are crucial. Well-equipped teams with specialized equipment and technology play a vital role in minimizing casualties and saving lives. The Himalayan region of India has demonstrated the value of qualified individuals and adequate resources by efficiently implementing search and rescue operations during winter calamities.
Furthermore, international cooperation is necessary to address the issues caused by winter calamities. Nations often collaborate to enhance their disaster management capabilities by sharing resources, knowledge, and technological advancements. The European Union facilitates cooperation among its member states during emergencies, particularly winter disasters, through its Civil Protection Mechanism.
Contextualizing Kashmir
In the last few decades, the frequency and intensity of natural disasters have increased manifold worldwide. The primary reason attributed to this rising phenomenon is climate change induced by anthropogenic factors. India, too, is facing the ramifications of climate change, including the prolongation of heatwaves, erratic monsoons, and disaster-related losses. In the region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), various kinds of disasters have been a recurring phenomenon, ranging from earthquakes, destructive floods, snow blizzards, avalanches, and landslides, to wind storms. These occurrences are due to the region’s peculiar topography, rugged terrain, extreme weather conditions, and unique geographical and geo-climatic settings.
The changing climate has already manifested in extreme weather conditions, which have been further aggravated by many detrimental practices leading to deforestation and environmental degradation. The Kolahoi glacier, the largest glacier in J&K, has been experiencing a drastic recession over time.
In the Union Territory, winter begins in late October and lasts until the beginning of March. The average temperature in Jammu ranges between 6 and 20 degrees Celsius, while in Kashmir, it ranges between -2 and 12 degrees Celsius.
The impact of natural calamities worldwide has heightened the importance of preparedness and response in regions vulnerable to winter disasters. The Himalayan ecosystem, such as J&K, is an eco-fragile zone fraught with environmental aberrations such as global warming, unplanned urbanization, deforestation, and encroachment of water bodies. Nestled in the Himalayan region, the Kashmir valley faces severe winter challenges that necessitate robust disaster management strategies. This article delves into the winter disaster management scenario in Kashmir, juxtaposing it with global occurrences of natural calamities.
Challenges in Kashmir during Winters:
Major challenges during winter generally arise from heavy snowfall, avalanches, and extreme cold temperatures. These challenges disrupt the everyday lives of people and throw them out of gear. However, disaster preparedness is equally important. On February 18, 2005, a snow blizzard occurred in villages namely Waltengu Nad, Pachgam, and Nigeenpora of Kulgam district. During the incident, 175 lives were lost (54 men, 48 women, and 73 children). In many cases, entire families died due to this blizzard. Additionally, 183 sheep/goats, 308 cows, 54 buffaloes, and 5 horses also perished. Lack of disaster preparedness was one of the major reasons why the rescue and relief operations took so many days to reach the spot. However, it also exposed the inadequacies in disaster preparedness in the Kashmir valley during winters.
Kashmir witnesses heavy snowfall during the winter months, which affects transportation, communication, and daily life. According to meteorological data, the region experiences an annual snowfall of 3 to 5 feet, with some areas receiving even higher accumulations. Heavy snow accumulation blocks roads, causes property damage, and poses potential casualties. Power disruptions are also significant. Structural damages, disrupting both urban and rural infrastructure, are frequent occurrences.
Every year, heavy snowfall damages horticulture, especially orchards. Trees break down due to the overloading of snow, severely affecting production. In November 2019, snowfall unleashed havoc, with 35% of the orchards reportedly being affected according to the preliminary estimates of Horticulture Kashmir, with the ones in Kupwara, Baramulla, and Shopian being the worst hit. Agriculture also suffers due to snowfall. A preliminary assessment carried out on November 7, 2019, found that the snowstorm had an impact on 70% of Kashmir’s saffron crop.
The mountainous terrain of Kashmir makes it prone to avalanches, posing a significant threat to human settlements and infrastructure. In January 2017, the Gulmarg area of Jammu and Kashmir experienced avalanches following heavy snowfall, causing the death of 24 people, including 20 Indian Army jawans. In 2019, the area recorded another avalanche, resulting in the death of two individuals. While weather forecasting by the meteorological department of J&K has improved, disaster prevention remains an area of concern. The root causes of avalanches have not been seriously addressed in policy circles. The High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg plays a crucial role in avalanche forecasting and mitigation.
Furthermore, sub-zero temperatures during winter contribute to freezing conditions, impacting health, agriculture, and daily life. The region often experiences temperatures dropping below -10 degrees Celsius, exacerbating the challenges faced by the population. Cold temperatures increase the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and other health-related issues.
Winter Disaster Management in Kashmir
The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was among the first states of the Union of India to enact legislation for natural calamities. The Jammu & Kashmir Natural Calamities Destroyed Areas Improvement Act of 1955 was passed to improve the towns, villages, and other areas of the State devastated by natural disasters. However, not much was accomplished despite the availability of the Act. Following the National Disaster Management Act of 2005, the State has implemented numerous measures aimed at reducing the loss of life and property caused by natural catastrophes. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the State Executive Committee (SEC), and the District Disaster Management Authorities have already been declared and established by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir following the requirements of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Despite their existence, the gap in assessing, monitoring, and minimizing the damages caused by disasters has raised questions about the preparedness and credibility of the concerned departments.
To keep important roads open during periods of severe snowfall, the Jammu and Kashmir government invests in snow removal apparatus and equipment. To improve readiness, the area’s Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) closely monitors and evaluates snowfall trends. Avalanche forecasting and monitoring, snow removal and road maintenance, emergency shelter and relief distribution, public awareness and communication campaigns, search and rescue operations, and cooperation with disaster response organizations are a few instances of winter disaster management strategies used in Kashmir. Temporary shelters are established in vulnerable areas to provide refuge for individuals affected by severe weather conditions. Additionally, relief supplies such as food, blankets, and medical aid are distributed to affected communities during emergencies.
Communication channels such as radio, television, and social media are utilized to disseminate important information and updates. Initiatives to educate the public about winter safety and disaster preparedness are crucial. Training programs, workshops, and leveraging local media for awareness campaigns are essential components of public education. Learning from the experiences of countries like Canada, where winter preparedness is ingrained in the culture, Kashmir emphasizes the importance of public education.
Trained rescue teams equipped with specialized gear and equipment are deployed to conduct search and rescue operations in the event of avalanches or other winter-related emergencies. These teams work tirelessly to locate and evacuate individuals trapped under snow. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international partners collaborate closely to coordinate disaster response efforts during winter emergencies. This ensures a comprehensive and effective response to mitigate the impact of winter disasters in Kashmir. The Indian Army, in collaboration with local authorities, employs sophisticated technology for avalanche forecasting and mitigation measures. The High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg is a training institution for the armed forces, specializing in winter warfare and avalanche rescue.
LG Manoj Sinha has prioritized disaster preparedness. The Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) claims that the snow-clearing equipment is maintained in working order so that surface communication and transportation can resume as soon as possible, ensuring accessibility to necessities. There is no doubt that the MED department has been leading from the front in all weather seasons.
Conclusion:
Winter disaster management in Kashmir requires a comprehensive and integrated approach, drawing lessons from global best practices and considering the unique challenges posed by heavy snowfall, avalanches, and extreme cold temperatures. By adopting strategies from successful global models and tailoring them to the specific needs of the region, authorities can enhance preparedness and response capabilities. Through a combination of technology, infrastructure development, community engagement, and international collaboration, Kashmir can mitigate the impact of winter disasters and safeguard the well-being of its population. The incorporation of facts, figures, and graphs emphasizes the urgency of proactive measures to address the evolving landscape of natural calamities worldwide.
References:Â
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https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-981-19-8388-7_69
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 https://kashmirdivision.nic.in/PdfDocs/DisasterManagementPolicy2011.pdfÂ
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  https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/wea.3065
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 https://kashmirreader.com/2019/11/12/bodies-of-porters-retrieved-from-gulmarg-avalanche-site/
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