The debate surrounding the world’s deadliest being was settled with mosquitoes emerging as the deadliest out of the lot. It’s strange how such a small but fascinating creature can be the most lethal being on this plant which is flooded with countless species. But the fact that weather too is a mass murderer, seldom crosses our mind. Weather extremities, on an average, claim thousands of lives each year across continents. Yet we fail to ponder over the more important question; how do we stop it?
There are several events from the past which urged modern day scientists and scholars to push for better weather forecasting mechanisms across the globe. Let’s rewind the clocks back to 1931 when a gruesome flood took China by storm. Heavy winter snowstorms followed by spring thaw and heavy rains caused the water level in rivers to rise significantly. If this was not enough, nine cyclones hit the region and worsened the situation. The final death toll is said to be between 1,000,000 to 4,000,000. Today, such a large-scale tragedy can be dealt with in a much better manner, thanks to sophisticated and efficient weather forecasting equipment in place.
Across the world, floods, blizzards, heat waves, and other extreme weather activities have claimed millions of lives since record-keeping began a couple of centuries back. The main reason behind staggering death tolls and wide-scale destruction of property is the lack of warning and preparedness. Weather continues to play a major role in our daily lives. From causing epidemics to flooding cities, the wrath of weather spares no one.
We live in the age of climate change and global warming. Weather patterns around the globe are getting disturbed on a consistent basis. Normal temperatures are being crossed across continents; winters are getting wintrier at some locations; abnormal and weird rainfall figures have been recorded across the globe; and rising sea water levels continue to threaten the very existence of mankind. The importance of weather forecasting will only grow with time. Our vulnerability to extreme weather conditions can only be countered through improved readiness.
Countries are being encouraged to invest in well-equipped and staffed meteorological departments. The role of private players has also increased as weather forecasting generally requires more than one opinion. There is no art to weather forecasting, but only hardcore science. Historical records and tabulated data can help draw and study a pattern. This too allows us to understand the situation better. From sowing of crops to the launch of sophisticated outer space rockets, weather forecasting acts a guiding force. On an average, thousands of lives can be saved every year with efficient and timely weather forecasting. The economic benefits of weather forecasting also outline the need for concentrated efforts in this direction.
In a country like India, where weather wears a different mood every hundred kilometers, weather forecasting is of utmost importance. Moreover, from the perspective of agriculture, Monsoon plays a major role in India. For example, this year, Monsoon in India may be lurking around the below normal mark, but well-distributed rainfall in the country has helped agriculture. Similarly, advance warnings issued in flood-prone areas in Northeast India also helped save lives. To sum it up, a generous portion of our annual budget must be pledged towards the advancement of weather forecasting in the country. After all, it is important that we weather the storm.
(Featured Image Credit: National Geographic)
(Main Image Credit: Yahoo! on Flickr)