A recent report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) sheds light on the alarming impact of climate-related disasters in Asia during the year 2023.
According to the report, Asia, renowned as the world’s most disaster-prone region, experienced a staggering 79 weather, climate, and water-related disasters, affecting over nine million individuals. The WMO highlighted Asia’s accelerated warming, surpassing the global average, with the warming trend nearly doubling since the 1961–1990 period. Consequently, 2023 marked the second warmest year on record for the continent, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of climate-related events. Utilizing data from the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT), the report positioned the Americas as the second most disaster-affected region, followed by Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The focus of the analysis remained on hydro-meteorological hazards of atmospheric, hydrological, or oceanographic origin, providing insights into the region’s vulnerability to climate extremes.
Although the report lacks precise country-wise fatality figures, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) highlighted India’s significant toll, recording 2,376 casualties attributed to extreme weather events. Lightning and thunderstorms accounted for the highest casualties, followed by floods, heavy rains, and heatwaves, underscoring the diverse array of climate challenges faced by the nation. Floods and storms emerged as the primary drivers of casualties and economic losses in Asia, while the escalating impact of heatwaves posed growing health risks across the region. With the annual mean surface temperature over Asia soaring to alarming levels in 2023, the urgent need for climate resilience and adaptation measures becomes increasingly evident. The WMO report serves as a wake-up call, emphasising the critical importance of concerted global efforts to mitigate climate change and enhance resilience to its adverse effects. As Asia grapples with the escalating climate crisis, proactive measures and international collaboration are imperative to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems from the growing threat of climate-related disasters.
