9. Mass Movement Geography in the News Mudflow in India’s Assam region, May 2022
At least 11 people have died in floods and mudflows triggered by heavy rain in India’s northeast region of Assam. Nearly 200,000 people in the region were cut off from the rest of the state, as roads and bridges were either blocked by mudflows or washed away.
The state’s disaster management agency said nearly 700 villages were underwater. The army sent helicopters to help with rescue efforts.
People had limited drinking water and sparse food supplies. Communications were also cut off and roads and railways were closed. The mudflow had washed away houses and fields of crops.
Mudflows and floods are common in India’s northern region. Scientists say they are becoming more frequent as global warming plays a role in the melting of glaciers there.
CHINA PAKISTAN BHUTAN NEPAL ASSAM INDIA BANGLADESH MYANMAR
Bay of Bengal
Arabian Sea
SRI LANKA Indian Ocean
Go to YouTube and search for ‘Watch – Trains washed away by flood in Assam (OTV)’ to watch a video of a train knocked off its track due to the mudflow.
1. Describe how a mudflow occurs. 2. What triggered the mudflow in Assam, India? 3. How did the army respond to this natural disaster?
4. Describe the impact of the mudflow in Assam. In your answer, mention one social and one environmental consequence.
5. How is climate change contributing to increased mudflows in this region? 129