Floods, droughts, and cyclones have become more frequent in India since 2000

Context: Extreme climate events have increased significantly across India since the turn of the millenium, according to a recent report.

• Before 2005, eight districts were affected by cyclones annually on an average. This figure increased to 28 after 2005.
• Floods, droughts, and cyclones have become increasingly common in many regions across India’s diverse climatic zones.
• Worryingly, some flood-prone districts are becoming drought-prone or vice-versa in a short period.

Floods

• The chart shows the number of floods (left axis) and the number of districts affected by floods (right axis).
• Between 1970 and 2004, three floods occurred per year on an average. However, between 2005 and 2019, the yearly average rose to 11.
• Similarly, 19 districts were affected annually on an average until 2005. After 2005, the number jumped to 55.

Droughts

• The chart shows the number of extreme droughts (left axis) and the number of districts affected (right axis).
• Since 2000, there has been a sharp increase in the number of drought-hit districts.
• However, droughts have been better managed in recent years, resulting in less loss and damage.

Cyclones

• The chart shows the number of cyclones (left axis) and the number of districts affected (right axis).
• Before 2005, eight districts were affected by cyclones annually on an average. This figure increased to 28 after 2005.
• Puri, Chennai, Nellore, North 24 Parganas, Ganjam, Cuttack, East Godavari, and Srikakulum are cyclone hotspots.

Changing patterns

• The map depicts the floodprone districts which turned drought-prone and vice-versa.
• The number of floodprone districts that started experiencing droughts was higher than those that did the opposite.
• The flood to drought shift was most prevalent in the southern States.

https://www.thehindu.com/data/floods-droughts-and-cyclones-have-become-more-frequent-in-india-since-2000/article33521312.ece?utm_source=data&utm_medium=sticky_footer