South Asia is once again grappling with the unpredictable and harsh forces of nature as extreme weather conditions continue to impact the region. On September 14, 2024, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for heavy rain across the states of West Bengal and Odisha. The warning has sent shockwaves through these communities, as the potential for flash floods looms large. This development underscores the urgent need for preparedness in the face of a changing climate that is contributing to increasingly severe weather patterns.
Understanding the Red Alert
A red alert, as defined by the IMD, is the most severe weather warning issued by the organization. It signifies that extremely heavy rainfall is expected within a short period, posing a serious threat to life and property. The issuance of such an alert indicates the likelihood of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and the disruption of essential services, such as transportation, electricity, and communication.
In the case of West Bengal and Odisha, these warnings come at a time when both states are already grappling with the aftermath of earlier monsoon downpours. As a coastal state, Odisha is particularly vulnerable to cyclones and heavy rain. The region has historically experienced devastating weather events, such as Cyclone Fani in 2019 and Cyclone Yaas in 2021, both of which led to extensive damage and displacement.
West Bengal, on the other hand, is also no stranger to heavy rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season. The state’s geography, which includes the Ganges delta and a number of low-lying areas, makes it highly susceptible to flooding. The IMD’s red alert for both states warns of potential rainfall exceeding 200 mm in 24 hours, an amount that can overwhelm rivers, dams, and drainage systems, leading to flash floods.
The Impact of Monsoons in South Asia
Monsoon rains are a vital component of South Asia’s climate and economy. They replenish water supplies, support agriculture, and sustain the livelihoods of millions of people. However, in recent years, the region has experienced increasingly erratic monsoon patterns, a trend linked to global climate change. The delayed onset of rains, combined with intense downpours over a short period, has contributed to both droughts and flooding in various parts of the country.
In 2023, South Asia experienced one of its most erratic monsoons on record, with intense rainfall leading to widespread flooding in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and India. Millions of people were displaced, and crops worth billions of dollars were destroyed. The 2024 monsoon season has been no less challenging, with communities in the northern and northeastern regions of India already facing severe flooding earlier in the year.
Experts attribute the increasing intensity of monsoon rains to a warming climate. According to climate scientists, warmer air holds more moisture, which can lead to heavier rainfall events. This is compounded by the rising temperatures in the Indian Ocean, which are believed to be influencing the strength and trajectory of monsoon systems.
Flash Floods: A Growing Concern
Flash floods, which occur when heavy rainfall causes rivers, streams, or other bodies of water to overflow suddenly, are one of the most dangerous outcomes of extreme weather events. These floods can develop within a matter of hours, leaving little time for people to evacuate or prepare. The speed at which they occur, combined with their often unpredictable nature, makes flash floods particularly deadly.
In both West Bengal and Odisha, the threat of flash floods is particularly acute. The geography of these states, with their river networks and coastal areas, makes them vulnerable to sudden and severe flooding. In the past, flash floods have caused widespread devastation in the region, washing away homes, bridges, and roads, and displacing thousands of people.
The IMD’s warning of potential flash floods in these areas is a grim reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather. Local governments and disaster management agencies have been mobilized to prepare for the worst, with evacuation plans, rescue operations, and relief efforts being put into place.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather in South Asia
The growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in South Asia have brought the issue of climate change to the forefront of public and political discourse. Scientists have long warned that rising global temperatures will lead to more frequent and severe weather events, including heatwaves, cyclones, and heavy rainfall.
In India, climate change has had a profound impact on the monsoon season, which is the lifeblood of the country’s agriculture. Delays in the onset of the monsoon, followed by short bursts of intense rainfall, have led to crop failures, water shortages, and economic losses. At the same time, the increase in extreme weather events has taken a toll on infrastructure, with roads, bridges, and buildings being damaged or destroyed by floods and landslides.
West Bengal and Odisha, like many other parts of India, are on the frontline of these climate-induced challenges. Both states are highly dependent on agriculture, which is particularly vulnerable to erratic weather patterns. In recent years, farmers in these states have faced significant challenges due to delayed monsoons, droughts, and floods, leading to economic hardship and increased migration from rural areas to cities.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that many of the most vulnerable populations in these states live in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. These communities often lack access to resources such as flood protection infrastructure, early warning systems, and emergency services, making them particularly susceptible to the impacts of extreme weather.
Preparedness and Response
In the face of these challenges, both West Bengal and Odisha have made significant strides in improving their preparedness for extreme weather events. Odisha, in particular, has been hailed as a model for disaster management in India, thanks to its successful evacuation efforts during Cyclone Fani in 2019. The state’s disaster management authorities have invested heavily in early warning systems, cyclone shelters, and community preparedness programs, all of which have helped to reduce the loss of life during extreme weather events.
West Bengal, too, has made efforts to improve its disaster preparedness, particularly in the Sundarbans, a low-lying region that is highly vulnerable to flooding. The state government has worked to build embankments, improve drainage systems, and develop community-based disaster preparedness programs.
However, despite these efforts, the scale of the challenge remains daunting. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, coupled with the ongoing impacts of climate change, mean that both states will need to continue to invest in preparedness and resilience-building measures.
The Road Ahead
As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, it is clear that extreme weather events like those currently being experienced in West Bengal and Odisha will become more frequent. For the millions of people living in these regions, the consequences of these changes are already being felt in the form of increased displacement, economic losses, and threats to food security.
The IMD’s red alert for heavy rainfall and flash floods serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of addressing climate change and building resilience to its impacts. While governments, scientists, and communities work to mitigate the effects of extreme weather, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect the most vulnerable populations from the dangers posed by a changing climate.
In the coming days, as West Bengal and Odisha brace for potentially catastrophic flooding, the focus will be on ensuring that people are evacuated to safety, that relief efforts are in place, and that the long-term recovery of these regions is supported. As the world watches, it is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life in the face of nature’s fury—and the importance of building a future that is more resilient to the challenges of a changing climate.
