Severe Weather Events Impact Millions Across the Globe
Severe flooding caused by torrential rains has affected 716,473 individuals across West and Central Africa, with Chad being the worst-hit, impacting 246,883 people. The disaster has resulted in at least 72 confirmed fatalities and 699 reported injuries.
The floods have destroyed vital infrastructure, including schools and health centers, and damaged 25,726 hectares of farmland, posing a significant threat to food security. In response, the Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated nearly $10 million to support the affected regions.
In Europe, extreme heat claimed over 47,000 lives in 2023, according to a report from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. This year marked the hottest on record for the continent, particularly affecting Southern Europe, which faced severe impacts, including financial losses from forest fires. The study, which covered 35 countries, identified women as more susceptible to heat-related deaths, with Greece recording the highest mortality rate at 393 deaths per million. The report underscores the urgent need for climate action as extreme weather events become increasingly frequent, posing critical risks to public health.
Additionally, torrential monsoon storms in South Asia have led to significant casualties, with 178 deaths reported in Pakistan, alongside over 400 in India and Nepal. The rains, essential for agriculture and water supplies, have intensified due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of weather-related disasters. In Pakistan, 92 children are among the deceased, primarily due to home collapses. India has experienced severe flooding and landslides, resulting in at least 250 fatalities, while Nepal reports 171 deaths, mainly from landslides. Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gases, Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to climate impacts, as evidenced by last year’s catastrophic flooding that displaced millions.
The information was drawn from articles published by Dawn online newspaper and reliefweb.
