Report: India Experiences Near-daily Extreme Weather Events Throughout First 9 Months of the Year

India Witnessed Extreme Weather Events Almost Daily in First Nine Months of 2023: Report

According to a report released today by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India experienced extreme weather events nearly every day in the first nine months of this year, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths. The report stated that the country, which is highly vulnerable to climate change, encountered extreme weather on 86% of days from January to September 2023.

The CSE report revealed that 2,923 people lost their lives, almost two million hectares of crops were destroyed, 80,000 homes were demolished, and more than 92,000 animals perished as a result of these extreme weather events. However, the actual numbers may be even higher as not all data has been collected.

Sunita Narain, the Director General of CSE, stated, “India 2023: An assessment of extreme weather events aims to establish an evidence base on the frequency and expanding geographical reach of extreme weather events in the country. As this assessment clearly demonstrates, what India has witnessed so far in 2023 is the new ‘abnormal’ in a warming world.”

Among the states, Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of extreme weather events at 138, while Bihar recorded the highest number of deaths (642), followed by Himachal Pradesh (365) and Uttar Pradesh (341). Punjab had the highest number of animal deaths, and Himachal Pradesh reported the most damaged houses due to extreme weather events.

In the southern region, Kerala experienced the highest count of extreme weather days (67) and deaths (60). Telangana suffered the most significant impact on crop areas, with over 62,000 hectares affected. The state also witnessed a high number of animal casualties (645). Karnataka faced severe destruction, with over 11,000 houses demolished.

In the eastern and northeastern regions, Assam registered the highest number of extreme weather events (102), resulting in the loss of 159 livestock and over 48,000 hectares of devastated crops. Nagaland saw over 1,900 houses destroyed.

The CSE report highlighted that January was slightly warmer than average, while February broke records and became the warmest in 122 years. India experienced its sixth driest February and the driest August in 122 years. Lightning and storms were the most common disasters, occurring on 176 out of 273 days and claiming 711 lives, with Bihar being the most affected state. However, the most significant devastation came from heavy rains, floods, and landslides, resulting in over 1,900 casualties.

Another think tank’s research revealed that more than 80% of Indians live in districts vulnerable to climate risks.

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