Global Climate Crisis Intensifies with Deadly Monsoon Floods in Asia

The climate crisis supercharged deadly monsoon floods in Asia, killing more than 1,750 people, according to the report by scientists from World Weather Attribution. In Sri Lanka, floods reached the second floor of buildings, while in Sumatra, Indonesia, forest destruction worsened the situation.

Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka and Cyclone Senyar hit Sumatra and peninsular Malaysia in late November, marking some of the deadliest weather-related disasters in recent history. The analysis found that the intensity of heavy rain episodes increased by 28 to 160% in the region affected by Cyclone Senyar due to human-caused global heating.

In Sri Lanka, periods of heavy rain are now between 9% and 50% more intense. While at least 1,750 people died and hundreds remain missing, the long-term health impacts include increased deaths from diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease following such storms.

Millions were affected, with the poorest suffering the most. Dr. Sarah Kew from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute stated that while monsoon rains are normal, their growing intensity is alarming.

Professor Lalith Rajapakse from the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka noted that cyclones like Ditwah now bring unprecedented rainfall, leading to flooding levels exceeding 14 to 15 feet in some areas.

The aftermath of these floods has been devastating, with early damage estimates in Sri Lanka reaching $6 to 7 billion, or 3 to 5% of national GDP. Maja Vahlberg from the Red Cross Red Climate Centre emphasized that the most vulnerable populations face the worst impacts and the longest recovery times.

The report indicates that human activities such as urban migration and deforestation have exacerbated the flooding situation. This crisis serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities many regions face in the face of climate extremes.