From heatwave to floods: India sees more extreme weather events amid climate change

India has witnessed extreme weather conditions in recent years, from torrential rain and floods to droughts and cyclones. Experts say climate change is worsening such events and making them more frequent and less predictable.

More than 106 people were killed after landslides swept through tea estates and homes in Kerala state on July 30.

Following are details of recent extreme weather events in the country.

Heatwave, floods in Delhi:

Heavy rains caused floods in capital New Delhi in June, following weeks of extreme heat. Torrential rains caused a fatal airport roof collapse in June, while three students drowned in a flooded basement classroom on July 27. In May, thunderstorms caused a billboard to collapse in financial capital Mumbai, killing at least 14 people, while flash floods in July disrupted transportation.

Rivers overflow in Assam

Several rivers swelled up in Assam state in the northeast in July after seasonal monsoon rains, triggering floods and landslides that killed at least 79 people and displaced thousands. More than 150 animals, including rare one-horned rhinoceros, drowned in the state's Kaziranga National Park.

Cyclone in Southern India

A severe cyclone hit India's southeastern coast in December 2023, after torrential rains and flooding killed at least 13 people. Sustained downpours in Tamil Nadu state in the subsequent days led to inundated neighbourhoods, roads and railways, and killed at least 31 people.

Himalayan glacial lake outburst

A Himalayan glacial lake burst its banks in October 2023 after heavy rains in the northeastern state of Sikkim, triggering the region's worst floods in more than 50 years which killed 179 and swept away homes and bridges.

Landslide sweeps away power projects

• UAE offers condolences to India over landslide, flood victims in Kerala