1492 died in extreme weather events in 2024 monsoon season in India

India's 2024 monsoon season brought extreme weather events that resulted in the loss of 1,492 lives, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The data highlights the growing severity of monsoon-related incidents and their devastating toll on human life.

2024 monsoon caused 1,492 deaths

Floods and other rain-related incidents were to blame for the majority of these fatalities—895—while thunderstorms and lightning strikes claimed 597 lives. This marks one of the deadliest monsoon seasons in recent years, underscoring the dangers of extreme weather in a rapidly changing climate.

The 2024 monsoon season officially ended on Monday, leaving a mixed weather report. IMD data showed India had 525 heavy rainfall events (115.6 mm to 204.5 mm) and 96 extremely heavy rainfall events (above 204.5 mm)—the highest in five years. Overall, the country recorded 934.8 mm of rainfall, 107.6% of the long-period average, making it the most rain since 2020.

Central India was hard-hit, receiving 19% more rainfall than average. The southern peninsula saw 14% more rain, while northwest India received 7% more. However, eastern and northeastern regions faced a 14% deficit.

Heavy rains caused significant flooding across multiple states, leading to destruction and loss of life. Kerala, with severe landslides in Wayanad on July 30, reported the highest fatalities from floods and heavy rains, with 397 deaths. Assam and Madhya Pradesh recorded 102 and 100 deaths, respectively, due to floods, while 13 died in Delhi.

Lightning storms killed many in 2024

Thunderstorms and lightning strikes proved deadly, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. With 189 fatalities, Madhya Pradesh had the most lightning and thunderstorm-related deaths, while Uttar Pradesh had 138. Bihar and Jharkhand faced significant fatalities, with 61 and 53 deaths, respectively. This surge in lightning incidents during the monsoon highlights the dangers of rapidly changing weather patterns.

In addition to the floods, rain, and thunderstorms, the IMD reported 17 heatwave deaths during the early monsoon season. Jharkhand was particularly affected, with 13 deaths, while Rajasthan reported four.

The variety and severity of extreme weather events this monsoon season reflect climate change’s impact. The frequency of heavy rainfall has increased, causing more destructive floods and landslides. Similarly, the rise in thunderstorms and lightning strikes signals changing weather patterns that endanger lives.

Experts warn of increasing extreme weather

Experts analyze the data, and there’s growing concern that extreme weather events may rise in the coming years. With global temperatures increasing, the monsoon’s behavior becomes more erratic, with more severe storms, heavier rainfall, and longer droughts likely.

“The alarming increase in deaths from extreme weather events during the monsoon should serve as a wake-up call,” said a senior IMD official. “We need to invest in early warning systems and infrastructure to mitigate these impacts in vulnerable regions.”

While many regions received excess rainfall, some were left parched. East and northeast India had 14% less rainfall than normal. The overall monsoon performance fluctuated, with June starting with an 11% deficit, followed by a 9% excess in July, a 15.3% surplus in August, and an 11.6% excess in September.

Out of India’s 36 meteorological subdivisions, only three recorded deficient rainfall. Twenty-one saw normal rainfall, 10 experienced excess, and two recorded large excess.

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