India lost $4bn to extreme weather in 2022

According to a recent report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), India experienced economic losses amounting to $4.2 billion in 2022 as a result of extreme weather events and climatic disasters, primarily attributed to flooding. The report also highlighted the significance of lightning strikes and other related phenomena in contributing to these losses.

India’s economic loss ranked as the third largest in Asia in 2022, following Pakistan, which incurred $15 billion due to a devastating flood, and China, where parts of the country experienced flooding leading to a $5 billion loss. Droughts also contributed significantly to economic losses, totaling $7.6 billion.

In aggregate, the overall loss surpassed the 2002–2021 average of $2.6 billion by nearly 200 percent.

The heavy rainfall experienced during the monsoon season triggered numerous landslides, river overflows, and floods, resulting in casualties and extensive damage. In total, these flooding events caused over 2,000 deaths and affected 1.3 million people, marking it as India’s worst disaster of the year.

The UN meteorology agency has observed an increasing trend in extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change in Asia. In 2022, the region experienced a fluctuation between droughts and floods, causing significant disruption to lives and livelihoods. Moreover, the melting of glaciers and the rise in sea levels further exacerbate the situation, posing additional challenges to vulnerable communities.

In recent years, lightning accompanied by thunderstorms has become a significant cause of fatalities in India. In 2022 alone, thunderstorms and lightning claimed approximately 1,200 lives across various regions of the country. For instance, on May 19–20, at least 34 people tragically lost their lives due to lightning strikes.

In 2022, Asia experienced a total of 81 weather, climate, and water-related disasters, with flood and storm events comprising over 83 percent of these incidents.

According to the report, across the continent, the loss of more than 5,000 lives occurred, with over 50 million people directly affected, and economic damages exceeding $36 billion. Moreover, a substantial portion of arid Asia experienced severe dust storms.