More than 100 people have died in connection with the heavy monsoon rains that have hit parts of northern India over the past two weeks. There has already been an unusual amount of rain during the current monsoon season – and more downpours are expected in the coming days, according to the country’s weather institute.
Extreme weather is currently prevailing in many places in the world, including in India where the monsoon rains behave increasingly differently due to climate change.
Of the more than 100 dead, at least 88 of them have died in the worst-hit state of Himachal Pradesh, which is about 500 kilometers north of the capital New Delhi.
Over 30,000 evacuated
In New Delhi, residential areas near the Jamuna River have been evacuated, with people forced to take refuge in temporary shelters such as shelters or tents.
According to the local rescue service, up to 30,000 people have also been evacuated to schools, which are closed due to the floods, or to shelters that have been converted into temporary accommodation.
Helicopters have also been deployed to rescue people from the water bodies in Himachal Pradesh.
Climate change affects
Downpours and floods are common during the monsoon season, which starts in June and lasts until September, but this year has already seen an unusually high amount of rain.
According to the researchers, the monsoon rains are behaving increasingly aberrantly due to climate change, resulting in repeated floods and landslides.
The Dalai Lama, who lives in Himachal Pradesh, said in a statement earlier this week that he prays for the people who died in connection with the floods, and that he understands that the authorities are doing everything they can to mitigate the effects of the situation:
“I pray for those who have lost their lives and offer my condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, as well as to others affected by this natural disaster.”
“I understand that the state government and other agencies are doing everything they can to provide relief and mitigate the effects of this tragedy.”