Why Monsoon Rains Have Been So Deadly in India This Year

India's monsoon has turned wild. Half of the country is reeling under floods after extraordinary downpours, with Punjab facing its worst deluge since 1988. Some regions saw rainfalls more than 1,000% above normal in just 24 hours, according to the Indian Meteorology Department.

From August 28 to September 3, northwest India experienced rainfall 180% above average, while the south saw 73% above normal. The rains caused landslides and floods in various areas, inundating towns and villages, and resulting in hundreds of fatalities.

Changing Monsoon

The climate crisis is altering monsoon behaviors significantly. Scientists note an increase in moisture levels originating from warmer surrounding seas, leading to more intense rainfall in short periods, particularly after dry spells. A concerning phenomenon known as cloudbursts is becoming more common in mountainous regions, triggering devastating floods.

Westerly Disturbances

In August, prolonged heavy rains in Punjab and Haryana were primarily caused by interactions between monsoon systems and westerly disturbances—a low-pressure system from the Mediterranean that collides with warmer air masses in India. This unusual atmospheric pattern has intensified weather systems in northern India.

Unstable Mountains

Extreme rainfall is a significant factor in flooding, but additional issues, such as the bursting of glacial lakes and landslides due to rapidly melting glaciers, compound the situation. Many regions have suffered from floods even with minimal rainfall, indicating a concerning trend driven by climate change.

Man-Made Disasters

Human activities, such as uncontrolled urban development and inadequate infrastructure maintenance, have exacerbated the impact of natural disasters. Encroachments on floodplains and poor drainage systems have worsened the flooding situation, underscoring the need for timely interventions to mitigate future disasters.