Extreme flood in unexpected location during monsoons is fast becoming a new normal in India. - SEEDS

The temperature is rising, though due to rain temporarily it seems that the summer is colder. However, facts are different from the feelings. People need to understand that the climate has been changing drastically, and floods and storms like Fani are just evidence of it.





India has witnessed almost every kind of disasters in recent years. From flood to drought, heat and cold waves, lightning strikes, cyclones, and even hailstorm, the wide range of disasters impacted the whole country.





Not a single month went by without a disaster and the hazardous impact of such events is getting more complex and intense.





These multiple events are repeatedly happening every year, and other risks continue to intensify under the radar.

Every year thousands of people are displaced and died. India is facing a huge economic and lives loss due to such destructive events. For at-risk communities and affected families, the interplay between dealing with poverty, climate stresses and natural hazards don’t have a clear distinction.

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A report published by SEEDS which showed the severity of such disasters. Let's have a look at what report stated.

The face of Disasters Report 2019

Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) released a report on 17 April 2019, The Face Disasters – The report aimed at bringing about the conversation on building a sustainable future, which is beyond response to disasters.





What report has found?





India has started at extremes of too little and too much rainfall in 2019. There is a significant drought condition even before the onset of summers. Extreme flood in unexpected location during monsoons is fast becoming a new normal in India.









Other disasters are hidden because of slow-onset or they may be affecting ignored populations or occurring at the same time as more high-profile disasters.

For instance, during the June to September monsoon of 2018, Punjab experienced a normal monsoon with rainfall just 7% higher than the average rainfall in the state. But this figure masked the fact that Ropar saw 71% excess rainfall while Ferozpur experienced a 74% shortage.

Similarly, eastern Uttar Pradesh saw a minimal shortage of 16% lower than usual. However, Kushi Nagar received 82% less while Kannauj actually had a surplus of 62%.

Key highlights of the Report

The disasters that go unseen leave those affected at even greater risk.

These disasters changes to the land and coastline and are already affecting livelihood sources and will be a hotspot for vulnerability in the future.

The complexity of disaster impacts beyond official damages for the long term. While all-natural disasters can not be captured, and that again brings life changing consequences.

Risk is rapidly urbanizing and will affect everyone.





Himalayan glaciers are melting with serious implications or the whole region.

Planning for what you can’t see: Earthquake risk is looming large under the radar, but are we prepared?! Additionally, the report also looks into the changing face of disaster risks and the need to look at disasters from a broader perspective with roots in resources management practices.





India is more vulnerable

India is more vulnerable because of its wide geographical and demographic variations. More than 40 million hectares or 12% of the country’s land prone to flood and river erosion, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.



The Authority says disasters seriously threaten India’s economy, its population and sustainable development, mainly because of its increasing vulnerabilities related to changing demographics and socio-economic conditions and unplanned urbanization.





Serious implications for India

Summer has arrived with a vengeance with the temperature already exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country by the end of March. Even more increases in temperature due to climate change would lead to a dramatic rise in intense heat waves that could be many more people dying during the long Indian summer.





What is the Face of Disaster Report 2019?

The Face of Disasters 2019 report, amongst another topic, talk about the need to look at disaster vulnerabilities that lie under the radar, waiting to strike. Considering the experiences of the years gone by, there will be impacts that continue to magnify under the radar- access to rapidly depleting water sources and heat stress being two of the most prominent.

The complexity of disasters today requires a proactive and multipronged approach.

A single mega-disaster can wipe out hard-won development gains and recurrent small-scale stresses keep vulnerable families in a cycle of poverty. While these multiple event patterns are repeated every year, only a few really capture the public attention. Other risks continue to intensify under the radar.

Analysis of past trends shows us that 2019 will see unusual flooding, as well as heatwaves and drought that are already ongoing. The key to helping those most vulnerable in 2019 and beyond will be to recognize these often-invisible risks. All in all, to look at building a sustainable future, beyond response.

















