India is extremely vulnerable to the impact of climate events. Every year, it faces extreme weather events in the form of floods and cyclones, which take lives, destroy homes and agricultural yields, and result in huge revenue losses. Here’s a look at some major floods and cyclone events which India has experienced over the past 10 years
Floods
- July 26, 2005: Mumbai came to an abrupt halt as unprecedented heavy rains stopped rail and bus traffic and tripped power lines. In the aftermath of the floods, Mumbai was hit by leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that spread through the accumulated flood waters.
- August 6, 2010: In the midst of peak tourist season in Ladakh, a cloud burst caused incessant rains in the region known for its sparse rainfall. The sudden and heavy rains triggered floods and landslides, causing huge losses to life and property.
- June 2013: The Uttarakhand disaster of June 2013 is regarded as the worst calamity of its kind in recent times. Though Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were also affected by the floods, maximum impact 995 per cent) was borne by Uttarakhand. While official estimates put the death toll at 5,700, it is believed that over 10,000 people died in the extreme weather event.
- September 2014: The most recent Jammu and Kashmir floods are the worst floods recorded in the state in the past 60 years.
Cyclones
- Cyclone Aila caused massive destruction in West Bengal and Bangladesh in 2009.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.