A new global climate assessment has revealed alarming statistics for India — more than 80,000 people have died and over 1.3 billion individuals have been affected by climate-related disasters between 1995 and 2025.
The findings highlight the growing vulnerability of the country to extreme weather events, including floods, cyclones, heatwaves, and droughts — all intensified by the accelerating pace of climate change.
Report Highlights
According to the report, India has experienced nearly 770 major climate disasters in the last three decades. These include both rapid-onset events like flash floods and cyclones, and slow-onset events such as prolonged droughts and extreme heat conditions.
The data underscores that India ranks among the top five most climate-affected nations globally, facing rising human and economic losses each year.
Between 2015 and 2025 alone, India witnessed an unprecedented spike in weather-related disasters, with an estimated 35% increase in flood incidents and a doubling of heatwave-related deaths.
Human and Economic Toll
Deaths reported (1995–2025): ~80,000
People affected: ~1.3 billion (direct and indirect impact)
Economic losses: Estimated at over $200 billion (approx. ₹16.6 lakh crore) in damages to agriculture, housing, and infrastructure.
The report also notes that the frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea have grown significantly, with coastal populations in states such as Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat facing recurrent threats.
Key Causes Identified
Experts attribute these increasing disasters to:
Rising global temperatures and disrupted monsoon patterns.
Rapid urbanization leading to poor drainage and heat retention.
Deforestation and land degradation reducing natural resilience.
Inadequate adaptation measures in vulnerable rural and coastal areas.
Heatwaves and Floods Among the Deadliest
The study points to heatwaves and floods as India’s deadliest recurring climate disasters.
Since 2010, nearly 25,000 deaths have been linked to heat-related illnesses, while floods have displaced millions each year, especially in Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
The report warns that if global temperatures rise by another 1.5°C, India could face triple the number of extreme heat days by 2050.
UN Agencies Call for Urgent Adaptation
The report, prepared with inputs from international climate monitoring bodies and UN agencies, stresses the urgent need for resilient infrastructure, community-based disaster management, and faster policy action on emission reduction.
A senior climate analyst involved in the report said,
“India’s exposure to climate extremes is not only a matter of geography but also governance. Building adaptive capacity at the local level is crucial for future resilience.”
Government’s Response
India has already launched several national and state-level initiatives under its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), focusing on:
Renewable energy expansion.
Coastal and river management.
Agricultural resilience and crop insurance.
Heat action plans for urban areas.
Officials also emphasized India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 while continuing to push for climate justice and equitable global responsibilities.
Conclusion
The new report serves as a sobering reminder of the real human cost of climate change. With more than 80,000 lives lost and 1.3 billion people affected, India’s fight against climate-driven disasters is both urgent and long-term.
Experts warn that unless mitigation and adaptation strategies are accelerated, climate shocks could undo decades of development gains and place millions more at risk in the years ahead.
FAQs
Q1. How many climate disasters has India faced since 1995?
A: Around 770 major climate-related disasters, including floods, cyclones, and droughts.
Q2. How many people have died due to these disasters?
A: Approximately 80,000 lives have been lost.
Q3. What is the total population affected?
A: Over 1.3 billion people have been impacted directly or indirectly.
Q4. Which states are most vulnerable?
A: Odisha, Assam, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Gujarat face the highest risk levels.
Q5. What actions are being taken by the government?
A: Measures under the NAPCC, including renewable energy initiatives, disaster preparedness, and urban climate adaptation projects.
Published on : 12th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit : Reported by Press Trust of India | NDTV