Torrential rains have caused devastation in parts of Asia, with India and China bearing the brunt of the extreme weather. In the past week, over 200 people have lost their lives in India and China due to the heavy rainfall, while three deaths have been reported in Pakistan. North Korea also experienced flooding near its border with China.
The monsoon and typhoon season in Asia, occurring at this time of the year, has been exacerbated by climate change, leading to intensified storms. The heavy rains triggered landslides and flooding, resulting in the destruction of homes, crops, and loss of lives.
China has observed a rise in extremely hot days and intense rainfall events, as highlighted in a recent report by the China Meteorological Administration. The forecast for the next 30 years predicts further increases in such extreme weather conditions.
Governments in the affected regions have initiated disaster prevention plans to mitigate the damage caused by the storms. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate people in at-risk areas and provide relief supplies via helicopters to inaccessible regions. China has even deployed drones for emergency communication in provinces prone to heavy rainfall.
In India, the death toll stands at 194 with 187 individuals reported missing. The state of Kerala witnessed devastating mudslides and floods, leading to the destruction of bridges and houses. The search for survivors has been challenging, with bodies found miles away from the primary landslide site.
China reported 48 deaths and 35 individuals missing. Typhoon Gaemi claimed lives in the Philippines and Taiwan before turning into a tropical storm in China. Hunan province experienced fatal mudslides, claiming the lives of several people.
While North Korea faced significant damage from the tropical storm near its border with China, there is no specific information available on casualties. The North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, mentioned fatalities due to the neglect of disaster prevention measures.
In Pakistan, three individuals lost their lives due to record rainfall in Lahore, with parts of the city receiving unprecedented amounts of rain. The heavy downpour caused flooding in streets and hospitals, with tragic incidents involving children.
These recent events highlight the urgent need for preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change, as nations in Asia continue to grapple with the aftermath of the torrential rains.
