(Commonwealth_ India) According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the 2024 monsoon season proved to be one of the most severe in recent years, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,492 lives across the country due to extreme weather events. The data indicates a stark distribution of fatalities, with 895 individuals succumbing to floods and rain-related incidents, while thunderstorms and lightning strikes accounted for 597 deaths.
The IMD reported a total of 525 heavy rainfall events—characterized by precipitation levels between 115.6 mm and 204.5 mm—marking the highest frequency of such occurrences in the past five years. In addition, the monsoon season saw 96 extremely heavy rainfall events, where precipitation exceeded 204.5 mm. This unprecedented volume of rainfall has significantly impacted various regions, leading to widespread flooding and associated hazards.
The monsoon season also witnessed 17 fatalities due to heatwaves early on, with the majority occurring in Jharkhand (13) and Rajasthan (4). Notably, Kerala experienced devastating landslides in the ecologically vulnerable Wayanad district on July 30, which contributed to a total of 397 deaths attributed to floods and heavy rains. Fatalities were not uniformly distributed across the country. Assam and Madhya Pradesh reported 102 and 100 deaths, respectively, due to the relentless onslaught of floods and heavy rainfall. In the national capital, New Delhi, 13 deaths were recorded as a direct consequence of severe flooding.
The data highlights Madhya Pradesh as the state with the highest mortality rate due to thunderstorms and lightning strikes, recording 189 deaths. Uttar Pradesh followed closely with 138 fatalities, while Bihar and Jharkhand reported 61 and 53 deaths, respectively. These statistics underscore the urgent need for improved weather forecasting and disaster management strategies, particularly in regions prone to such extreme weather events.
The 2024 southwest monsoon officially concluded on Monday, with India receiving a total rainfall of 934.8 mm—107.6% of the long-period average. This figure represents the highest level of rainfall since 2020. Regional analyses reveal that central India experienced 19% more rainfall than its long-term average, while the southern peninsula and northwest India saw increases of 14% and 7%, respectively.
Conversely, the eastern and northeastern parts of the country recorded a significant shortfall, with rainfall levels 14% below normal. The monthly distribution of rainfall reflected this discrepancy, with an 11% deficit in June, followed by excesses of 9% in July, 15.3% in August, and 11.6% in September. Remarkably, only three of India’s 36 meteorological subdivisions reported deficient rainfall this season.
The data from the 2024 monsoon season illustrates the dual challenge posed by climate variability: the intense rainfall events that lead to devastating floods and the life-threatening thunderstorms and heatwaves that follow. As India continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, it becomes increasingly critical to bolster disaster preparedness and response frameworks to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events. Enhanced forecasting, public awareness campaigns, and investment in resilient infrastructure will be vital to safeguarding lives and livelihoods in the face of such challenges.
