More than 88% of the days between January 1 and September 30 this year saw extreme weather events in India, according to a new report released on Tuesday by the Centre for Science and Environment. The report brings attention back to India’s climate vulnerabilities ahead of a significant UN climate summit.The report, “Extreme Weather Report 2022,” published by the Centre for Science and Environment indicated that these catastrophes resulted in 2,775 fatalities, affected 1.8 million hectares (ha) of cropland, demolished approximately 4,16,667 homes, and resulted in the deaths of close to 70,000 cattle (CSE).
The green think tank stated that because data for each occurrence is not compiled and agricultural losses and damages to public property are not tallied, this estimate of loss and damage is likely an underestimation.In addition to extreme heat waves, cyclones, snowfall, lightning, storms, cold waves and cold days, torrential rains, floods, and landslides were also classified as extreme weather phenomena by the IMD in the study.To fill up the gaps in the official data, the researchers compiled information from two important Indian government agencies: the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Disaster Management Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. They also used media reports.
The highest number of days with extreme weather was reported in central and north-western India, with 198 and 195 days, respectively. Central India ranked first in terms of the number of fatalities with 887, then the East and North East of India (783 deaths).
