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India Among Top 10 Countries Worst-Hit by Extreme Weather: Report

A new global analysis reveals India as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, ranking 8th for extreme weather impacts over the past 30 years. The study highlights escalating droughts, floods, cyclones, and heatwaves—costing lives, economies, and ecosystems.

India’s Extreme Weather Crisis: Key Findings

The report (1990–2020) underscores India’s mounting climate challenges:
– Deadly Disasters: 20% of global weather-related deaths occur in India, driven by heatwaves and floods.
– Economic Toll: $80 billion in damages—crippling agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
– Rising Frequency: Extreme events doubled since 2000 (e.g., Cyclones Amphan, Tauktae; 2022’s 50°C heatwaves).

Why Is India So Vulnerable?

Geographical and human factors intensify risks:
– Heatwaves: Urban “heat islands” (Delhi, Jaipur) spike temperatures faster than global averages.
– Floods: Poor drainage and erratic monsoons drown Assam, Bihar, and Kerala annually.
– Cyclones: Warmer Indian Ocean fuels deadly storms in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Government Actions & Gaps

While India launched initiatives like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), critics highlight weak enforcement:
– Reactive Policies: Focus on disaster relief over long-term resilience.
– Urban Failures: Floodplain construction and deforestation worsen flooding/heat stress.
– Rural Crisis: Unpredictable rains devastate crops, pushing farmers into poverty.

Future Risks & Solutions

IPCC projections warn of worse heatwaves, erratic monsoons, and coastal flooding by 2050. Experts urge:
✅ Green Infrastructure: Urban forests, wetland restoration.
✅ Renewable Energy: Rapid solar/wind adoption to cut emissions.
✅ Community Preparedness: Localized disaster plans for high-risk states.

The Bottom Line

India’s top-10 ranking is a dire warning. Combating climate change requires global cooperation—but also urgent domestic reforms in policy, infrastructure, and public awareness.

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