How cyclones and monsoon rains combined to devastate parts of Asia – visual guide

The Guardian
The Guardian
1w ago • 11 views
Severe flooding and cyclones have resulted in over 1,300 deaths across southern and southeastern Asia, displacing hundreds of thousands. This disaster highlights the increasing impact of climate change on extreme weather events.
How cyclones and monsoon rains combined to devastate parts of Asia – visual guide
A What happened
Severe flooding and cyclones have wreaked havoc across southern and southeastern Asia, resulting in over 1,300 deaths and widespread displacement. Indonesia has been hit hardest, with 604 fatalities and nearly 300,000 people displaced due to flooding. Sri Lanka has also suffered, with 355 deaths reported and over 1.3 million affected by record rainfall. In Thailand, 170 people have died from flooding, prompting criticism of the government's response. The extreme weather has been exacerbated by climate change, which has intensified the occurrence of destructive cyclones and heavy rainfall. As countries grapple with the aftermath, relief efforts are underway, but challenges remain in restoring order and providing aid.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Record Rainfall in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka faces its worst flooding in two decades, affecting over 1.3 million people.

  • 2

    Cyclones Fuel Flooding: Tropical cyclones have intensified monsoon rains, leading to severe flooding across multiple countries.

  • 3

    Climate Change Impact: Human-caused climate breakdown is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Takeaways

The recent extreme weather events in Asia highlight the urgent need for effective disaster response and long-term strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. As communities recover, addressing the underlying causes of such disasters will be crucial.

Topics

Health & Medicine Public Health Climate & Environment Climate Change Natural Disasters