India's extreme weather events in recent years

India’s extreme weather events in recent years. Extreme weather events have been prominent across India in recent years and the reason may be climate change

India has faced severe weather conditions in recent years, with events ranging from torrential rain and floods to droughts and cyclones. Many experts attribute these extremes to climate change.

Most recently, Kerala was struck by landslides that swept through tea estates and homes, resulting in the deaths of more than 50 people and hundreds feared trapped.

Death toll in India landslides reaches 93Death toll in India landslides reaches 93
Floods in Kerala

In 2018, Kerala experienced its worst flooding in a century. The deluge, which brought 40% more rainfall than usual, resulted in the deaths of at least 373 people and forced 1.2 million residents to seek refuge in shelter camps.

Uttarakhand landslide

A catastrophic landslide occurred near the second-highest peak in Uttarakhand in February 2021. The disaster left more than 200 people dead, caused flash floods, and destroyed two hydroelectric projects.

Sikkim glacial lake outburst

Heavy rains in October 2023 led to the bursting of a Himalayan glacial lake in Sikkim. This triggered the region’s most severe floods in over fifty years, claiming 179 lives and washing away homes and bridges.

Cyclone in Southern India

In December 2023, a powerful cyclone struck India’s southeastern coast. Torrential rains and subsequent flooding initially killed at least 13 people. Continued heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu caused further devastation, submerging neighborhoods, roads, and railways, and resulting in an additional 31 deaths.

Thunderstorms, landslide in Mumbai

A landslide in a village near Mumbai in July 2023 led to the destruction of several homes, killing at least 27 people and trapping many more under the debris.

In May, severe thunderstorms in Mumbai caused a billboard to collapse, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people. In July, the city experienced flash floods that disrupted transportation.

Assam rivers overflow

In July, Assam experienced severe flooding and landslides due to swollen rivers from monsoon rains. These events killed at least 79 people and displaced thousands. The floods also resulted in the deaths of over 150 animals, including rare one-horned rhinoceroses, in Kaziranga National Park.

Heatwave and floods in Delhi

June 2024 saw New Delhi grappling with severe heat followed by heavy rains that caused widespread flooding. The rains led to a fatal collapse of an airport roof and, tragically, three students drowned in a flooded basement classroom on July 27.