Torrential rains in India have led to severe flooding, resulting in at least 15 fatalities, as reported by local media on Wednesday. Rivers in the coastal western state of Gujarat have overflowed, leading to the evacuation of over 23,000 people from their homes, according to the reports. The Business Standard newspaper mentioned that 15 deaths occurred since Monday across eight districts in the state. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel advised fishermen via a social media post to avoid rough seas, urging fishing crews to stay ashore. Monsoon rains annually cause significant damage, but experts note that climate change is altering weather patterns and intensifying extreme weather events. Last week, the northeastern state of Tripura experienced floods and landslides, claiming over 20 lives. In neighboring Bangladesh, heavy floods during the same period killed at least 40 people, with nearly 300,000 residents seeking refuge in emergency shelters.
Text: Lara Palmer
28.08.2024
Climate change exacerbates extreme weather events as multiple regions face severe flooding