Assessment of Heavy Precipitation-Induced Flood Studies on the Western Himalayas from 2002 to 2024: A Review

The Western Himalayas are one of the important flood hotspot zones, which impact on the entire ecosystem. To assess the current flood status of Western Himalayas triggered by heavy precipitation, authors have conducted a detailed review of past flood studies on the Western Himalayas published during 2002–2024 and observed that India is facing more frequent flood hazards than any other Western Himalayan extended countries (Pakistan and China) especially during summer monsoon season (June–September). We found that rate of publication was maximum (47.83%) during 2012–2018. Authors and organization around the world (India, Pakistan, China, USA, UK, Italy, Germany, Singapore, and Japan, etc.) have contributed to the Western Himalayan flood studies but the Indian researchers and organizations contributed more (53.35 and 37.57%) in flood studies than other countries researchers and organization (China (27.72 and 26.46%), and Pakistan (14.61, 12.70%)). The hydro-meteorological data and satellite imagery were mainly used by the authors to assess the spatio-temporal distribution of flood, their impact, and associated vulnerabilities with the assistance of different models (WRF, HEC-RAS, COSMO, MM5, NETRA, LIS, etc.) and different statistical methods (Mann Kendall test, correlation, regression, RMSE, and NASH). We also found that the Western Himalayan region faced significant damage (loss of life and property) due to the floods. It may be expected that research on the Western Himalayan floods will be increasing in the future, as flood events are expected to increase under a warming climate.