Rising Toll of Disasters in India: A Year in Review

November 29, 2023

India has faced a relentless onslaught of disasters in the first nine months of this year, ranging from heatwaves and cold waves to cyclones, lightning, heavy rain, floods, and landslides. According to the “India 2023: An assessment of extreme weather events” report by Down To Earth (DTE) magazine and the Centre for Science and Environment, the toll has been staggering.

Human Lives and Livelihoods Affected

A total of 2,923 human lives have been lost, 1.84 million hectares of crop area affected, 80,563 houses destroyed, and approximately 92,519 livestock killed. However, these figures may underestimate the actual loss and damage, as data for each event is not systematically compiled, and losses to public property or crops are not fully calculated.

Regional Impact and Devastation

Madhya Pradesh experienced the highest frequency of extreme weather events, occurring almost every second day. Bihar recorded the highest number of human deaths at 642, followed by Himachal Pradesh (365 deaths) and Uttar Pradesh (341 deaths). Himachal Pradesh also reported the highest number of damaged houses (15,407), while Punjab saw the most significant loss of animal life, with 63,649 livestock deaths.

Winter Months: January-February 2023

January saw mildly warmer temperatures, while February experienced extreme heat, with temperatures surpassing averages. Both months were drier than usual, with a significant rainfall deficit. The winter months witnessed extreme weather events on 28 out of 59 days, impacting 21 states and Union Territories.

Pre-monsoon Season: March-May 2023

The pre-monsoon season displayed near-normal temperatures but regional variations. High rainfall, frequent lightning, and storms, including hailstorms, affected the entire country. Extreme weather events occurred on 85 out of 92 days, spreading across 33 states and UTs, with Maharashtra and Rajasthan being the worst-hit.

Monsoon Season: June-September 2023

The monsoon arrived late but covered the entire country 15 days earlier than usual. Cyclone Biparjoy and interactions with a western disturbance led to extreme rainfall and flash floods. While some regions experienced heavy rainfall, others faced a deficit, resulting in a near-normal monsoon year. Extreme weather events were reported on all 122 days during the season, causing significant human and material losses.

Changing Landscape of Extreme Weather Events

Traditionally viewed as rare occurrences, extreme weather events have become more frequent, occurring every five years or less. The report highlights the unprecedented nature and frequency of these events, impacting the most vulnerable communities. Lightning and storms claimed 711 lives across all states and UTs, while the monsoon brought widespread heavy rainfall, leading to devastating floods in various regions, including Himachal Pradesh.

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