Extreme Rainfall Events over the Uttarakhand State (1901-2013)

The occurrences of exceptionally heavy rainfall and associated flash floods during 16-18 June 2013 over Uttarakhand and neighbouring states resulted in severe floods, landslides, large scale loss of lives, properties and damages. The event was mostly linked with the occurrence of extreme event due to climate change. In view of this, an attempt has been made in this paper to analyze the extreme rainfall events for 1-day duration occurred over the Uttarakhand using 1901-2013 daily rainfall data for more than 100 stations located in and around the state. The study revealed that during 113 years period, highest numbers of extreme events are recorded during 1961-1970 decade and to some extent in 1981-1990 decade