Deadly monsoons in Asia have become increasingly intense due to climate change, according to a recent study. The disaster, which killed over 1,750 people, was exacerbated by the destruction of forests, which normally slow down rainwater from running off hillsides.
The storm's intensity was found to be significantly higher than normal, with some areas experiencing floods that reached up to 14-15 feet high – even in buildings designed to withstand such surges. This is alarming news for countries like Sri Lanka and Indonesia, where the storms have brought unprecedented rainfall, widespread loss of life, and massive disruption to economic activities.
The study's findings highlight the devastating impact of climate change on extreme weather events. The increased intensity of heavy rain was found in various regions affected by Cyclone Senyar, with an estimated increase of 28-160%. In Sri Lanka, the periods of heavy rain are now between 9% and 50% more intense.
While cyclones can have a wide and enduring impact on health, recent studies have shown that deaths from diabetes and kidney disease often increase after such storms. Moreover, millions of people were left homeless, with the poorest affected most.
Researchers say that the combination of heavy monsoon rains and climate change is a deadly mix. Monsoon rains are normal in this part of the world, but what's not normal is the growing intensity of these storms.
As Dr Sarah Kew notes, "Monsoon rains are normal in this part of the world. What is not normal is the growing intensity of these storms." The researchers also agree that climate change caused by human activities is making rainfall heavier and more intense globally.
The loss of wetlands and deforestation has reduced the land's ability to absorb rainwater on hillsides, increasing the risk of landslides and downstream floods. Climate models suggest that global heating made such extreme weather events more likely in this region.
The study's lead author, Dr Sarah Kew, emphasizes the need for humans to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels to mitigate future extreme events. As Mariam Zachariah at Imperial College London points out, "While natural variability is inherent to the climate system, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is within our power and necessary for reducing the intensity of future extreme events."
The Red Cross Red Climate Centre's Maja Vahlberg notes that the most vulnerable populations will experience the worst impacts of such disasters. Over decades, growth has taken place in low-lying floodplains and deltas, making them economic hubs but also natural pathways for floodwaters.
Deforestation and wetland loss increase the risk of landslides and downstream floods. Early estimates suggest the damage in Sri Lanka was around $6-7 billion – equivalent to 3-5% of national GDP. This highlights the need for countries to prepare for future climate-driven extremes, according to Prof Lalith Rajapakse.
In summary, the study highlights the devastating impact of climate change on extreme weather events in Asia. The destruction of forests and increased rainfall intensity due to global warming have exacerbated disaster scenarios.
The storm's intensity was found to be significantly higher than normal, with some areas experiencing floods that reached up to 14-15 feet high – even in buildings designed to withstand such surges. This is alarming news for countries like Sri Lanka and Indonesia, where the storms have brought unprecedented rainfall, widespread loss of life, and massive disruption to economic activities.
The study's findings highlight the devastating impact of climate change on extreme weather events. The increased intensity of heavy rain was found in various regions affected by Cyclone Senyar, with an estimated increase of 28-160%. In Sri Lanka, the periods of heavy rain are now between 9% and 50% more intense.
While cyclones can have a wide and enduring impact on health, recent studies have shown that deaths from diabetes and kidney disease often increase after such storms. Moreover, millions of people were left homeless, with the poorest affected most.
Researchers say that the combination of heavy monsoon rains and climate change is a deadly mix. Monsoon rains are normal in this part of the world, but what's not normal is the growing intensity of these storms.
As Dr Sarah Kew notes, "Monsoon rains are normal in this part of the world. What is not normal is the growing intensity of these storms." The researchers also agree that climate change caused by human activities is making rainfall heavier and more intense globally.
The loss of wetlands and deforestation has reduced the land's ability to absorb rainwater on hillsides, increasing the risk of landslides and downstream floods. Climate models suggest that global heating made such extreme weather events more likely in this region.
The study's lead author, Dr Sarah Kew, emphasizes the need for humans to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels to mitigate future extreme events. As Mariam Zachariah at Imperial College London points out, "While natural variability is inherent to the climate system, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is within our power and necessary for reducing the intensity of future extreme events."
The Red Cross Red Climate Centre's Maja Vahlberg notes that the most vulnerable populations will experience the worst impacts of such disasters. Over decades, growth has taken place in low-lying floodplains and deltas, making them economic hubs but also natural pathways for floodwaters.
Deforestation and wetland loss increase the risk of landslides and downstream floods. Early estimates suggest the damage in Sri Lanka was around $6-7 billion – equivalent to 3-5% of national GDP. This highlights the need for countries to prepare for future climate-driven extremes, according to Prof Lalith Rajapakse.
In summary, the study highlights the devastating impact of climate change on extreme weather events in Asia. The destruction of forests and increased rainfall intensity due to global warming have exacerbated disaster scenarios.
! The fact that monsoon rains are getting way more intense due to climate change is super alarming. I mean, 14-15 feet high floods in buildings? That's insane! 
And it's not just the numbers, but also the impact on people and economies. Those affected by Cyclone Senyar have suffered so much - over 1,750 deaths and millions left homeless 
. The loss of wetlands and deforestation is a huge factor here too... we need to do more to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and protect the environment ASAP! 
Climate change is seriously messing with natural patterns, making these storms super intense & unpredictable. I get why people in Sri Lanka & Indonesia are freaking out 
The forest destruction aspect is wild too - it's like we're just ignoring the obvious risks & consequences of playing with nature 
. People need to take responsibility for their actions & invest in sustainable practices before more lives are lost 
anyway, I checked the stats on extreme weather events and it's clear climate change is real 
. According to a study, heavy monsoon rains in Sri Lanka increased by 9-50% in just a few years 
. And in Indonesia, Cyclone Senyar showed an increase of 28-160%! 
. In Sri Lanka, the damage was around $6-7 billion... that's like 3-5% of national GDP 
. And let's not forget about the long-term effects on health 
. deaths from diabetes and kidney disease often go up after extreme weather events 
. We need to take action, like reducing our reliance on fossil fuels 
. it's time to get serious about climate change 
.
, like, humans need to take action ASAP or we'll be facing a lot more of these crazy monsoon storms that just leave people reeling 
. But at the same time, I think we gotta be careful not to jump to conclusions about everything being caused by global warming... I mean, what if there's some other factor at play here too? 
And don't even get me started on how deforestation is a major contributor to these disasters, but what about the role of human population growth and urbanization? Can we really separate those factors from climate change? 
It's all so complicated...
️ to mitigate future extreme events. It's not just about the environment; it's also about the people who are suffering 
. The researchers are right that climate change caused by human activities is making rainfall heavier and more intense globally 
. We need to start taking responsibility for our actions and work towards reducing our carbon footprint ASAP 
. The fact that we're losing wetlands and forests at an alarming rate is a huge contributor to these issues 
. We have to take action now, not just talk about it 
.
.
. Can't just stick our heads in the sand and hope for the best. We need collective action here!
. But seriously, 1,750 people dead? That's insane 
. We need to prioritize their needs and support them in adapting to climate change. It's time to think global and act local 
. We can't just sit back and wait for these disasters to happen; we gotta take charge and make a change 
.