The ‘flying rivers’ causing devastating floods in India

Scientists have discovered that massive hidden streams of water vapor in the atmosphere, known as "flying rivers," are contributing to devastating floods in India. These invisible ribbons of moisture are responsible for excessive rainfall and subsequent flooding, posing a significant threat to the region. The presence of flying rivers has been revealed by scientists as an essential factor in the severe flooding incidents witnessed in India. This phenomenon occurs when strong winds carry moisture from the Indian Ocean to the landmass, resulting in heavy rainfall. This excessive rain often overwhelms rivers, leading to widespread flooding and disaster. The impact of flying rivers was highlighted following the catastrophic floods in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in February 2021. A glacier rupture triggered an avalanche, causing flash floods that swept away homes, roads, and bridges, leading to hundreds of deaths. The Indian government has since acknowledged the role of flying rivers and expressed the need for further research to understand and predict these events. The hidden streams of moisture can transport colossal amounts of water from the Indian Ocean to the subcontinent. These aerial rivers are distinct weather systems that can carry up to 100 times the flow of the Amazon River. When the moisture-laden air collides with the mountains in India, it is forced upwards, causing the water vapor to condense and turn into torrential rainfall. The Himalayan region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of flying rivers due to its high altitude and complex geographical features. The mountains trap the moisture, causing prolonged periods of rainfall that can