Dynamics and impacts of the 1994 Phojal Nalla flood disaster, Indian Himalaya

Abstract

This research offers a comprehensive synthesis of the August 1994 Phojal Nalla flood disaster. Understanding local natural hazards, through applied geomorphological assessments is particularly important in mountain catchments, where rapid development pressures (e.g. tourism, hydroelectric power, land use change and road construction) are accompanied by a poor understanding of process dynamics. Field reconstructions, hydro-meteorological data, eye-witness accounts of the disaster and documentary archives are reported. These data deliver improved baseline knowledge and reveal the local importance of hydro-meteorological triggers, slope-channel coupling and the complexity of sediment-water flows. Such enhanced knowledge will enable improved hazard and risk management for mountain communities