Climate Crisis Intensifies Deadly Monsoon Floods Across Asia

The climate crisis has intensified deadly monsoon floods in Asia, resulting in the deaths of over 1,750 people. According to The Guardian, Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka and Cyclone Senyar in Sumatra and peninsular Malaysia caused unprecedented flooding, with water levels reaching the second floors of buildings in some areas.

Research by World Weather Attribution indicates that the intensity of heavy rainfall episodes has increased by 28 to 160% due to human-caused global warming. Dr. Sarah Kew from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute noted that while monsoon rains are typical for the region, the growing intensity of these storms is alarming.

Professor Lalith Rajapakse from the University of Moratuwa stated that flooding usually does not exceed 1 to 2 feet, but in this case, it reached 14 to 15 feet in some areas. The floods have also had long-term health impacts, increasing deaths from conditions like diabetes and kidney disease.

The destruction of forests has worsened the flooding situation, diminishing the land's ability to absorb water and increasing the risk of landslides, as highlighted by Maja Vahlberg from the Red Cross Red Climate Centre.

Early damage estimates in Sri Lanka range from 6 to 7 billion dollars, equating to 3 to 5% of the national GDP, indicating the significant economic consequences of these climate-driven disasters.