Flash Floods in Amarnath- Essential Precautions To Follow When Planning a Trip to the Mountains During Monsoons

The pilgrimage to the cave shrine Amarnath, was held after a period of 3 years. Back in 2019, the holy pilgrimage to Amarnath was canceled due to the government’s decision to abort article 370 of the Indian Constitution. The Amarnath yatra was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. But as the weather continues to remain unpredictable, this year there was a massive cloudburst in Amarnath and as many as 16 people have lost their lives till now and more than 40 people have gone missing. Therefore, keeping the uncertain nature of the monsoon season in mind, and the possible natural calamities associated with it, we will share helpful tips that you need to consider when planning a trip to the mountains during the monsoon season. 

Essential Safety Precautions to Consider When Planning a Trip to Mountains During the Monsoon Season

1. Plan for a Buffer Day - When you are planning a trip to the mountains during the monsoon season make sure that you allocate a day as a buffer day. When you are planning to make a visit to the Himachal region like Manali or Shimla or even Leh or Ladakh, make sure you keep 1 day as a buffer in order to familiarize yourself with the weather conditions as the landslides are quite common in the mountainous regions during the monsoon season. In fact, heavy rainfall can also lead to excessive traffic jams which could impact the overall experience of your journey. Therefore, if you have an extra day left with you the best way to use it is by exploring the city around. Make sure that you avoid unnecessary traveling around during the monsoon season. 

2. Be in Sync With the Weather Forecast - Another important tip to follow while traveling to the mountains during the monsoon season is to ensure that you properly check the weather forecast. This tip will come in handy especially when you are planning to go for a trek with your family and kids. Make sure that you are well-versed with the weather status and the overall terrain. In case, heavy rainfall is predicted make sure that you avoid going outside your home. This will only protect you from the harmful hazards of the excessive rainfall. 

3. Invest in Waterproof Shoes and Accessories - Another important tip to consider when planning your next trip to the mountains is make sure that you invest in excellent quality waterproof shoes and other accessories. Well, it’s a common mistake seen by the people who don’t live in the mountains. They tend to pack the stuff they actually don’t even require. Therefore, make sure that you invest in good quality and appropriate clothing and accessories that will protect you and your family from the rains. Synthetic clothes, raincoat, and wind-sheeters are a must when traveling to the mountains at the time of the rains. We would recommend you to make a checklist and make sure that you tick off all the things that are essential to your destination. 

4. Avoid the Off-Beat Roads- Another way to stay safe while traveling to the mountains is avoid taking the routes or the roads that are not known by the locals as well your fellow travelers. Though, it may sound thrilling but at the same time going through narrow roads during the monsoon season can be life threatening. Therefore, only use the roads that are used by other people and this will only keep you safe. 

5. Avoid Jumping Into Rivers- Flash floods are very common during the monsoon season and that is what happened in Amarnath recently. No matter how clean and pretty the river is, make sure that you don’t jump off into the river. You never know when that when the flow of the river can take an ugly turn. A flash flood will not give you time to react if you’re inside water. 

Wrapping Up 

These are the top 5 tips that you must follow if you are planning to visit the mountains during the monsoon season with your family and kids. These tips are easy to follow and will help you stay safe and protected. The Amarnath Tragedy is just an example of why it is important to plan your journey to the mountains during the monsoon season with care, and the best way is to ensure that you plan for the trip a month ahead. Proper planning and implementation will keep you and your loved ones safe, 

Plan Well, and Stay Safe!