Indian states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are amidst the worst monsoon rains these days. At least 22 people died in floods and landslides in the northern states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, occupied Kashmir and Punjab, reported The Times of India. Widespread torrential rains silverly impacted vast areas from Uttarakhand to the Indian capital Delhi.
The Hindustan Times reported that over two dozen people have been killed as heavy rains triggered floods and landslides, blocking roads and disrupting connectivity in the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Monsoon rains are a seasonal phenomenon in the Indian subcontinent. However, with growing infrastructure, immense population growth and climate change, the intensity and timing of these rains can sometimes lead to catastrophic consequences.
The states of Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and West Bengal were among the worst affected by the recent floods. In Uttarakhand alone, the flooding resulted in the loss of numerous lives, displacement of thousands, and extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. The economic impact is projected to be staggering, as businesses, farms, and tourism-related activities were severely disrupted.
The world, especially the rich and developed nations, need to wake up and take the reality of climate change seriously and take serious steps to address the disaster vulnerability of the poorer nations and communities.
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