monsoon
Newsletter
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Floods once again devastate Pakistan, two years after 2022 disaster
As monsoon rains lash Pakistan, millions still recovering from the catastrophic 2022 floods face renewed damage and uncertainty.
In short:
- Heavy monsoon rains are striking Pakistan, affecting those still recovering from the 2022 floods, which killed more than 1,700 people.
- Reconstruction efforts are lagging, with limited aid and poor infrastructure, leaving many in makeshift shelters.
- Climate change is linked to the intensified monsoon seasons, with experts warning that flooding may worsen in the future.
Key quote:
"Our children are terrified of the rain now. Whenever it rains or the wind picks up, they cling to us and cry, ‘We will drown.’"
— Fauzia, flood survivor
Why this matters:
Pakistan’s recurring floods highlight the growing impact of climate change, which is displacing rural communities and crippling agriculture. Without significant intervention, millions face ongoing displacement and economic instability.
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Credit: Pratik Gaikwad/Pixabay
Heavy rains trigger deadly landslides in Kerala, India
Landslides from torrential rains in Kerala's Wayanad district killed 93 people, leaving many others trapped and in need of rescue.
In short:
- Heavy rains caused multiple landslides in Kerala, killing 93 and trapping many more.
- Rescuers struggle with blocked roads and unstable terrain as they work to save those buried under debris.
- More than 3,000 people have been moved to relief camps, and more rain is expected.
Key quote:
“Monsoon patterns are increasingly erratic and the quantum of rainfall that we receive in a short spell of time has increased. As a result, we see frequent instances of landslides and floods along the Western Ghats.”
— Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
Why this matters:
Increased rainfall intensity over short periods overwhelms the natural drainage systems, causing rivers to swell rapidly and resulting in severe flooding. These floods can lead to loss of agricultural land, contamination of water sources and destruction of infrastructure, disrupting the lives of thousands. The Western Ghats are crucial for their role in regulating the climate and hydrology of peninsular India, and these environmental changes are a stark reminder of the broader impacts of climate change.
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Credit: Sonika Agarwal/Unsplash
Unpredictable rainfall challenges Indian farmers
Farmers in India struggle to adapt to erratic monsoons caused by climate change, threatening their livelihoods and the country's agriculture.
In short:
- Climate change is causing India’s monsoons to become more unpredictable, with either too much rain in short periods or prolonged dry spells.
- Farmers are facing crop failures due to these erratic patterns, impacting their economic stability and leading to increased debts and suicides.
- Experts suggest solutions like growing less water-intensive crops, localized weather forecasting, and policy changes to support affected farmers.
Key quote:
“We planted our cotton seeds after a good monsoon was predicted but it rained just two days and stopped after, so now we’re worried our crops will fail again.”
— Vijay Jawandhia, farmer
Why this matters:
Erratic monsoons threaten the livelihoods of 120 million Indian farmers, contributing to economic instability and food security issues. Effective adaptation strategies and policy changes are essential to mitigate these impacts and support the agricultural sector.
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Big Stock Photo
Climate change, poor planning make India’s monsoon season devastating
Sanjay Chauhan witnessed monsoon rains lash down over his home and farm in the Indian Himalayas this year with a magnitude and intensity he's never experienced before.
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Image by Joseph Thomas from Pixabay
India national capital receives record single-day rain as several parts face severe downpour
Red alerts have been sounded for several regions across India facing heavy rainfall, while a record-breaking downpour in capital Delhi has led to waterlogging and brought daily life to a standstill.
Photo by British Library on Unsplash
What centuries-old Indian court paintings tell us about climate change
In “Monsoon Mood,” the latest episode of the Smithsonian podcast Sidedoor, host Lizzie Peabody digs into a 300-year-old artistic revolution—one that has surprising new relevance in the 21st century as we look for ways to forestall catastrophic climate change.
Summer monsoons get the hype, but Las Vegas researcher warns of winter storms’ perils
The flooding in Las Vegas that accompanies those summer monsoon cloudbursts might also occur in the winter in future years, according to one researcher’s findings.
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