Monsoon floods kill dozens in India, thousands in relief camps

Intense monsoon rains have caused severe flooding in southern India, particularly affecting Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Over the past two days, at least 25 fatalities have been reported, with 16 deaths in Telangana and nine in Andhra Pradesh. The heavy rainfall, amounting to 400mm in just 24 hours, has led to significant damage to homes and infrastructure, prompting local authorities to seek federal assistance and declare the situation a national calamity. In response to the crisis, approximately 3,800 individuals have been rescued and relocated to relief camps. The Indian Air Force has mobilized resources, sending over 200 rescue officers and 30 tonnes of emergency supplies to the affected regions. This disaster is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events in India, exacerbated by climate change, which has been shifting weather patterns and increasing the frequency of such occurrences. The situation is not isolated to these states; last week, Gujarat experienced its own flooding, resulting in 28 deaths. The Kachchh district faced severe waterlogging, leading to evacuations and the closure of schools. Experts have noted that the unusual formation of a deep depression over land, which is moving towards the Arabian Sea, is contributing to the ongoing rainfall and flooding. The impact of these floods extends beyond immediate casualties and damage, as neighboring Bangladesh has also faced deadly floods, highlighting the regional implications of climate-related disasters. The need for comprehensive disaster management and climate adaptation strategies is becoming increasingly urgent as these events continue to escalate.