J&K can’t ignore climate warning

The growing frequency of cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir is no longer an isolated weather phenomenon but a stark reminder of the region’s increasing climate vulnerability. With more than 35 cloudburst incidents reported this year, around 31 lives lost and extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges and public infrastructure, the scale of devastation demands urgent attention beyond immediate relief and rescue. The pattern is deeply concerning. Districts in the Jammu division, including Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda and Kishtwar, have borne the brunt of fatalities, while parts of Kashmir such as Shopian, Kupwara, Bandipora and Anantnag have also witnessed repeated flash floods. These events are disrupting livelihoods, destroying agricultural land and isolating communities. The mounting losses point to a changing climate that is producing more frequent and intense rainfall over short periods. While extreme weather cannot be prevented, its impact can certainly be reduced. Early warning systems must be strengthened and made accessible even in the remotest villages. Disaster preparedness should become a year-round exercise rather than a seasonal response. Vulnerable settlements, particularly those located near streams, steep slopes and flood-prone areas, require scientific hazard mapping and stricter enforcement of land-use regulations. Unplanned construction, encroachment of natural drainage channels and deforestation only magnify the destructive force of flash floods. Equally important is investing in resilient infrastructure. Roads, bridges, schools and irrigation networks must be designed to withstand extreme weather events that are becoming increasingly common. Local communities should also be trained in emergency response so that precious lives can be saved during the critical first few hours after a disaster. Jammu and Kashmir’s repeated encounters with cloudbursts should not be viewed as a series of isolated tragedies. They are a warning that climate resilience must become a central pillar of development planning. Delaying action today will only increase the human and economic costs tomorrow.