Landslides in India Worse Due to Climate Change

Scientists from World Weather Attribution found that the 15cm of rain that fell in 24 hours from July 29 to 30 in the Indian state of Kerala was 10% more intense due to global warming, and warned that global warming emissions will lead to increasingly frequent heavy rains, or even natural disasters.

A landslide area in Kerala state, India on July 31, 2024. Photo: AP

Nearly 200 people have died and rescuers are still searching for more than 130 missing in Kerala state, one of India's most popular tourist destinations.

“The landslides in Wayanad district are another catastrophic example of climate change,” said Mariam Zachariah, a climate scientist at Imperial College London and one of the authors of the study.

Last month's rainfall was the third-heaviest in Kerala state since 1901, when India's weather agency began keeping records.

“Millions of people are suffering from scorching heat in the summer. Meanwhile, during the monsoon, heavy rains cause floods and landslides, as we have seen in Wayanad district,” said Arpita Mondal, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and one of the study’s authors.

The body of a victim is found after a landslide in Kerala state, India on July 31, 2024. Photo: AP

Earlier this year, another study by the group found that heat waves, which have killed at least 100 people, are thought to be at least 45 times more likely due to global warming.

The world's most populous country is one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases and is also one of the world's most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Tuesday’s study also recommended reducing deforestation and quarrying, and improving early warning and evacuation systems to help protect people from landslides and floods. Scientists said forest cover in Wayanad district has decreased by 62%, which could increase the risk of landslides during heavy rains.

“More heavy rains are expected as the climate warms, which highlights the urgency of being prepared for similar landslides in northern Kerala,” said Maja Vahlberg, risk advisor at the Red Cross and Crescent Climate Center and co-author of the study.

Ha Trang (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tinh-trang-lo-dat-o-an-do-toi-te-hon-do-bien-doi-khi-hau-post307638.html