India faced an unprecedented rise in extreme weather events. A report by the Centre for Science and Environment revealed alarming statistics. The first nine months of the year recorded extreme weather on 255 out of 274 days. This marks an important increase from 235 days in 2023 and 241 days in 2022. The report brought into light the severe impact on human life, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Types of Extreme Weather Events
The analysis focused on seven types of extreme weather – – Lightning and storms – Heavy rains, floods, and landslides – Heatwaves – Coldwaves and cold days – Cloudbursts – Cyclones – Snowfall Each category showed increased frequency and intensity, contributing to widespread destruction across the country.
Impact on Human Life
The human toll was important. Recently, 3,238 people lost their lives due to extreme weather, an 18 per cent rise since 2022. Kerala reported the highest fatalities at 550, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Assam. This alarming trend puts stress on the urgent need for effective disaster management and response strategies.
Agricultural Damage
Agriculture suffered immensely, with 3.2 million hectares affected. This represents a staggering 74 per cent increase from the previous year. Major agricultural states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana reported data gaps, likely underestimating the true extent of damage. The report emphasised that farmers are bearing the brunt of climate change.
Infrastructure Destruction
The destruction of infrastructure was also severe. Approximately 235,862 houses and buildings were damaged. This is a sharp increase from 80,293 in 2023. Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest number of damaged homes, denoting the urgent need for robust infrastructure planning and resilience building.
Regional Variations
Central India was the hardest hit, with 218 days of extreme weather. Madhya Pradesh experienced the most extreme weather days at 176. The report indicated that the impact varied across regions, emphasising the need for tailored responses to local conditions.
Long-term Health Impacts
The report also pointed to long-term health implications. Heatwaves claimed 210 lives, but the broader health impacts remain largely unmeasured. Farmers and labourers faced prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, affecting their well-being and productivity.
Need for Robust Support Systems
The authors stressed the necessity for improved compensation systems for weather-induced losses. Without adequate support, farmers risk falling deeper into poverty and debt. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events calls for urgent policy interventions to protect vulnerable populations.
Questions for UPSC:
- Analyse the impact of climate change on agriculture in India, focusing on extreme weather events.
- Examine the relationship between extreme weather events and human health outcomes in India.
- Critically discuss the effectiveness of current disaster management strategies in India in light of increasing extreme weather events.
- Estimate the economic implications of infrastructure damage due to extreme weather events in India.
1. Analyse the impact of climate change on agriculture in India, focusing on extreme weather events.
The impact of climate change on agriculture in India is deep and multifaceted, particularly in the context of increasing extreme weather events. The report marks a staggering 3.2 million hectares of cropped land affected in 2024, representing a 74% increase from 2022. This surge in land damage can be attributed to various extreme weather events such as heavy rains, floods, and heatwaves, which disrupt the growing cycles of crops and lead to important yield losses. Key agricultural states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, which are crucial for food production, reported data gaps that likely underestimate the true extent of damage. The increased frequency of extreme weather events, with 255 extreme weather days reported in 2024, overwhelms farmers, particularly in vulnerable regions like Central India. Crop loss not only impacts food security but also threatens the livelihoods of millions of farmers who are already grappling with economic challenges. As extreme weather events become more common, the traditional agricultural practices become less viable, necessitating urgent adaptation measures. Furthermore, the report indicates that the most affected areas are primarily in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, where infrastructure and resources to cope with such disasters are often lacking. The rising unpredictability of weather patterns requires farmers to invest in resilience-building measures, such as drought-resistant crops and improved irrigation systems, which may not be feasible for many smallholder farmers. Without robust support systems and policies that address these challenges, the agricultural sector in India faces a precarious future, exacerbating rural poverty and food insecurity.
2. Examine the relationship between extreme weather events and human health outcomes in India.
The relationship between extreme weather events and human health outcomes in India is increasingly concerning, as evidenced by the alarming statistics from 2024. The report indicates that extreme weather events resulted in 3,238 fatalities, an 18% increase from 2022, with heatwaves alone claiming 210 lives. This data marks the immediate threat that such events pose to human health, particularly among vulnerable populations, including farmers and laborers who endure prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. Moreover, the health impacts of extreme weather extend beyond immediate fatalities. Prolonged high temperatures can lead to heat stress, dehydration, and exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions, particularly in regions like North India, where access to healthcare and relief measures is limited. The report also points out that the long-term health implications of cold snaps and frost on crops are not adequately captured, indicating a gap in understanding how these events affect food security and nutrition. In addition, mental health issues may arise from the stress and trauma associated with loss of livelihoods and homes due to extreme weather. The cumulative effect of these health challenges puts stress on the need for comprehensive public health strategies that incorporate climate resilience. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving access to medical services, and implementing preventive measures are essential to mitigate the health risks posed by climate change. Without addressing these interconnected issues, the burden on India’s healthcare system will continue to grow, exacerbating existing inequalities.
3. Critically discuss the effectiveness of current disaster management strategies in India in light of increasing extreme weather events.
Current disaster management strategies in India face important challenges in effectively addressing the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The report reveals that extreme weather has occurred on 255 out of 274 days in 2024, indicating an urgent need for enhanced preparedness and response mechanisms. While India has established frameworks for disaster management, such as the National Disaster Management Act, the effectiveness of these strategies is often hindered by inadequate resource allocation, lack of timely data, and insufficient community engagement. One critical issue is the gap in data collection, particularly in major agricultural states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. This lack of reliable data impedes the ability to assess the full impact of disasters and to formulate effective response strategies. Furthermore, the report marks the need for robust compensation systems for weather-induced losses, which are currently lacking. Without adequate financial support, affected populations, especially farmers, are pushed into deeper poverty and debt. Additionally, the regional variations in extreme weather impacts necessitate tailored disaster management approaches. Central India, for instance, experienced the highest number of extreme weather days, yet the existing strategies may not sufficiently address local conditions and vulnerabilities. Enhancing community resilience through localized training and resource distribution is essential to improve overall effectiveness. Thus, while India has progressed in disaster management, the increasing severity of extreme weather events calls for a reevaluation and strengthening of current strategies. This includes improving data collection, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring robust support systems to protect vulnerable populations from the impacts of climate change.
4. Estimate the economic implications of infrastructure damage due to extreme weather events in India.
The economic implications of infrastructure damage due to extreme weather events in India are substantial and multifaceted. The report marks that approximately 235,862 houses and buildings were damaged in the first nine months of 2024, an important increase from 80,293 in 2023. This level of destruction not only displaces families but also disrupts local economies, leading to a cascading effect on livelihoods, productivity, and overall economic growth. The immediate costs associated with repairing or rebuilding damaged infrastructure are considerable. Governments and local authorities face increased financial burdens to restore public facilities, including schools, hospitals, and roads. This can divert funds from other critical areas such as education and healthcare, further straining public resources. Additionally, the loss of housing contributes to increased poverty levels, as families may struggle to afford repairs or rent alternative accommodations. Beyond immediate repair costs, the long-term economic implications are deep. Infrastructure damage can lead to decreased agricultural productivity, as farmers may lose access to markets or face delays in planting and harvesting due to damaged roads and transport systems. The report indicates that 3.2 million hectares of cropped land were affected, which translates to important economic losses in the agricultural sector, a mainstay of India’s economy. Moreover, the impact on businesses cannot be overlooked. Damage to commercial buildings and disruptions in supply chains can lead to reduced economic activity, job losses, and decreased investment in affected regions. The cumulative effect of these economic losses can hinder overall economic development and exacerbate existing inequalities. In this way, the economic implications of infrastructure damage due to extreme weather events in India are important, affecting not only immediate recovery costs but also long-term economic stability and growth. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes investment in resilient infrastructure, improved disaster preparedness, and support for affected communities.
