Part of: Assam Gk set 17

What Is the one cause of the Assam flood 2020?

Category: Assam Gk

Hint: Consider the climatic conditions prevalent in Assam during the monsoon season.

Correct Answer: B) Heavy Monsoon Showers.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Assam flood of 2020 was a significant natural disaster that affected a large part of the state. To understand the cause of this flood, it is essential to consider the geographical and climatic conditions of Assam. Assam is located in the northeastern part of India and is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate. The state is crisscrossed by several major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, which is one of the largest rivers in the world by discharge volume.

During the monsoon season, which typically occurs from June to September, Assam experiences heavy rainfall. This rainfall is crucial for the region's agriculture and ecosystem but can also lead to flooding if the volume of water exceeds the capacity of the river systems. In 2020, the monsoon season brought exceptionally heavy rainfall, which caused the rivers to overflow their banks and inundate large areas of the state.

The heavy monsoon showers are the primary cause of the Assam flood in 2020. The monsoon season is a natural climatic phenomenon that brings significant amounts of rainfall to the region. The excessive rainfall can overwhelm the river systems, leading to flooding. This is a common occurrence in Assam and other parts of northeastern India during the monsoon season.

It is important to note that while heavy monsoon showers are the primary cause of the Assam flood, other factors can contribute to the severity of the flooding. For example, deforestation and changes in land use can affect the water retention capacity of the soil and increase the risk of flooding. Additionally, the construction of dams and other infrastructure can alter the natural flow of rivers and potentially exacerbate flooding in certain areas.

However, in the context of the 2020 Assam flood, the heavy monsoon showers were the dominant factor. The rainfall was so intense that it overwhelmed the natural and man-made drainage systems, leading to widespread flooding. This underscores the importance of understanding the climatic conditions and the natural hydrological cycle in the region to predict and manage such events effectively.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. While dams can contribute to flooding, they were not the primary cause of the Assam flood in 2020. The main factor was the heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
  • Option B: This option is correct. The Assam flood in 2020 was primarily caused by heavy monsoon showers. The excessive rainfall overwhelmed the river systems, leading to widespread flooding in the region.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Earthquakes are not a common cause of flooding in Assam. The primary cause of the 2020 flood was the heavy monsoon rainfall.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Heavy monsoon showers were indeed a significant cause of the Assam flood in 2020, so "None of the above" is not the correct answer.

Mnemonic: M - Monsoon, M - Massive, M - Misery

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