2023 Recap: These big environmental disasters shook India this year

In 2023, the world witnessed a tragic increase in lives lost to climate-related disasters. The year 2023 was a tough one for India as well. The country faced many environmental disasters. These events showed us how important it is to take care of our environment and be ready for these kinds of situations.

The global death toll from environmental disasters increased to 12,000 in 2023, a 30% rise from 2022. These deaths were caused by floods, wildfires, cyclones, storms, and landslides. Ground Report has compiled a list of these events, particularly focusing on India. This list provides information on when and where each disaster occurred.

The Ground Report database shows that the year started with strong storms in Madhya Pradesh in March. These storms caused a lot of damage and sadly, some people lost their lives. When the monsoon season started in June, places like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand had to deal with floods and landslides. Many families lost their homes and some people did not survive.

The international disaster database, EM-DAT, recorded about 240 such events in 2023. The data showed a 60% rise in deaths from landslides, a staggering 278% increase in deaths from wildfires, and a 340% surge in deaths from storms compared to 2022. The climate crisis is intensifying, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events.

However, India has also experienced a series of devastating environmental disasters in 2023, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. From floods and cyclones to landslides and storms, the country faced numerous challenges brought about by extreme weather events.

Extreme heat was another big problem in 2023. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar had a heatwave in June. Maharashtra also had to deal with extreme heat in April.

Environmental Disasters in India - 2023

Examining causes, impacts, and community responses

Madhya Pradesh

In March, a big storm hit many areas in India, including Madhya Pradesh. This storm had hail and lightning. Places like Khandwa, Sagar, and Satna saw how powerful the storm was. The storm was very strong and caused a lot of damage. It affected people’s lives and caused problems in many communities.

Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

In June, the monsoon season caused a lot of flooding in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Heavy rain led to landslides in areas like Mandi, Solan, and Hamirpur. This caused people to lose their homes and some even lost their lives. This event showed how extreme weather can really affect hilly areas.

Northeast state

In May, Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur faced Cyclone 'Mocha.' Strong winds of up to 1000 km/h hit the region. Communities prepared well for the intense cyclone.

Odisha

In September, Odisha dealt with storms and floods. Khurda, Balangir, Angul, and more faced flooding challenges. Communities collaborated to tackle the combined impact.

Telangana

July brought heavy monsoon rains to Mulugu District, Telangana. Relentless downpours caused flooding in communities and farmlands. Revealed the need for robust infrastructure during monsoons.

Nationwide Monsoonal Floods (August)

August witnessed widespread floods across states. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and more were affected. The scale emphasized the importance of a unified national response.

Maharashtra (July)

In July, Irshalwadi Village, Raigad, witnessed a mass movement due to heavy rains. Collapse underscored the need for better infrastructure and early warnings.

Mizoram (August)

Another mass movement occurred in Mizoram due to a collapse. Emphasized the importance of geological assessments and preventive measures.

Assam and Sikkim (June)

In June, Assam and Sikkim faced extensive flooding and landslides. Heavy rains and slides impacted half a million people, requiring large-scale relief.

Gujarat (November)

In November, Gujarat faced storms, floods, hail, and lightning. Communities united to support each other during this challenging time.

UP and Bihar (June)

June saw Uttar Pradesh and Bihar experiencing extreme temperatures, reaching 45°C. The heatwave posed health risks, emphasizing the need for preparedness.

Sikkim (October)

• Sikkim faced a unique challenge with a glacial lake outburst flood in October. Flooding in Gangtok, Mangan, and Pakyong highlighted climate-related interconnectedness.

Rajasthan and Gujarat (June)

Cyclone 'Biparjoy' hit Rajasthan and Gujarat, causing floods and landslides. Showcased the vulnerability of both coastal and inland regions.

South states (December):

In December, Tropical Storm 'Michaung' made landfall, impacting Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Heavy rainfall and flooding affected millions, requiring extensive relief efforts.

Northern States (June-July)

Northern states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, faced a second round of monsoonal floods. Emphasized the recurrent nature of environmental challenges.

Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (August)

In August, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand experienced another mass movement. Underscored the ongoing threat of landslides, highlighting the need for sustainable land-use practices.

Maharashtra (April)

Maharashtra faced extreme temperatures in April, reaching 38°C. The heatwave posed challenges to agriculture, raising concerns about climate change impacts.

Tamil Nadu (December)

In December, Tamil Nadu faced heavy rains in districts like Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, and Tenkasi. Added to the year's challenges, showcasing the diverse nature of environmental disasters.

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