In the first nine months of 2024, India experienced extreme weather events on 93% of days, killing more than 3,000 people: study

According to the Center for Science and Environment’s (CSE) annual report on extreme weather, India experienced extreme weather on 93% of days during the first nine months of 2024 – 255 days out of 274.

The events, which included heat waves, cold snaps, cyclones, lightning, heavy rains, floods and landslides, killed 3,238 people, affected 3.2 million hectares of crops, destroyed 235,862 houses and buildings and killed an estimated 9,457 livestock.

Among the states, Madhya Pradesh recorded the most extreme weather days with 176 days experiencing extreme conditions. Kerala recorded the highest death toll at 550, followed by Madhya Pradesh (353) and Assam (256). Andhra Pradesh suffered the most property damage, with 85,806 houses destroyed. Maharashtra, which experienced extreme weather conditions for 142 days, accounted for over 60% of the country’s total crop damage, followed by Madhya Pradesh, where 25,170 hectares of crops were lost.

New climate records were also set this year. January was the ninth driest on record since 1901, and February had the second-lowest minimum temperature in 123 years. May had the fourth-highest average temperature on record, and July, August and September had the highest minimum temperatures since records began in 1901.

Over the past nine months, the country has faced a series of extreme weather events, from thunderstorms in 32 states that killed 1,021 people to devastating monsoon floods. Assam in particular was hit hard by heavy rains, floods and landslides that lasted 122 days, leaving large areas inundated and communities reduced to rubble. Across the country, floods caused the death of 1,376 people.

“These record-breaking statistics are a direct reflection of climate change, with once-in-a-century events now occurring every five years or more,” said Sunita Narain, CEO of CSE and editor of Down To magazine. Earth’. “This increased frequency of extreme weather is overwhelming vulnerable populations that lack the resources to cope with such a relentless cycle of destruction.”

The report also highlights significant regional differences. Central India faced the highest frequency of extreme events at 218 days, followed by North West at 213 days. Central India led in death toll with 1,001 deaths, followed by Southern Peninsula (762), East and Northeast (741) and North West (734).

The CSE researchers stress that the findings point to the need for a fundamental change in the way we approach extreme weather events, emphasizing the importance of reducing risk and building resilience, not just responding to disasters.

For example, flood management requires more than just theoretical plans—it requires the development of drainage systems, water recharge infrastructure, and green spaces that will act as natural reservoirs, helping communities better withstand future storms.