India witnessed extreme weather events almost daily in the first nine months of this year, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths, according to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The study revealed that the country experienced extreme weather on 86% of days from January to September 2023. The report documented 2,923 deaths, destruction of almost two million hectares of crops, 80,000 homes, and the loss of over 92,000 animals. However, the actual numbers may be higher due to incomplete data collection. The report, titled “India 2023: An assessment of extreme weather events,” aimed to establish an evidence base on the frequency and expanding geography of extreme weather events in the country. The CSE director general, Sunita Narain, stated that what India experienced in 2023 is the new “abnormal” in a warming world. The study highlighted that lightning and storms were the most common disasters, occurring on 176 out of 273 days and claiming 711 lives. Most deaths occurred in Bihar. The most significant devastation resulted from heavy rains, floods, and landslides, causing over 1,900 casualties. The research also revealed regional variations, with different states facing distinct challenges, such as Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest number of extreme weather events, while Bihar had the highest number of deaths. The CSE emphasized the urgency of climate action, given the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events in India.
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