Nature strikes back

India has been experiencing the impact of global warming. Heavy rain has hit several states causing floods or landslides. The effect of global warming on the climate of India has led to climate disasters as per some experts. India is a disaster prone area, with the statistics of 27 out of 35 states being disaster prone, with foods being the most frequent disasters. The process of global warming has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of these climatic disasters. Weather catastrophes are never down to just one cause. They result from natural factors, as well as human-made ones. For instance, large-scale deforestation and paving over green areas that would usually absorb heavy rainfall with concrete and tarmac can worsen flooding. Several parts of northwest India witnessed a heavy spell of rain on Saturday and Sunday, with Delhi breaking a 40-year-old record. Delhi recorded 153 mm of rain in 24 hours ending July 9, the highest in a single day in July since 1982, the India Meteorological Department said. At least 15 people have been killed in landslides in hill states as heavy rains and strong winds pounded several parts of north India. Data from the India Meteorological Department show that bountiful rains in many parts of India in the first eight days of July have bridged the rainfall deficit for the entire country. The cumulative rainfall in the monsoon season has reached 243.2 mm, which is 2 per cent above the normal of 239.1 mm, the data stated. At the same time, parts of northern India are experiencing an unrelenting heat wave as temperatures continue to soar in two of the country’s most populous states, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Dozens of people have died across the states, which saw temperatures reach 47 degrees Celsius (116 Fahrenheit) over the weekend. This year’s flooding comes one week after tropical cyclone Biparjoy hit India’s west coast, ripping trees and toppling electricity poles.Ongoing floods in the state of Assam, India, have affected 20 districts and over 100,000 people since June 14, 2023. As of June 21, disaster authorities reported a total of 119,830 people across 20 districts were affected, mostly in Baksa (26,571 affected), Lakhimpur (25,096 affected), Nalbari (44,707 affected) and Tamulpur (15,610 affected). Over 30 relief camps were set up and were were housing 2,091 people, mostly in Baksa (1,157) and Nalbari (614). According to the Status of Ireland Climate 2020 report, sea levels around the coast are rising. Information from NASA’s Earth satellites shows us that every summer, some Arctic ice melts and shrinks, getting smallest by September. Then, when winter comes, the ice grows again. The report states that, since 1979, the September ice has been getting smaller and smaller and thinner and thinner. So, just a small amount of warming can have a huge effect over several years. Warmer temperatures cause glaciers to flow more quickly. Sea level rise is another clue that the Earth’s climate is getting warmer. Also, as the ocean gets warmer, the water actually expands. Scientists have observed that the sea level has risen 7 inches in the last 100 years. The contributory factors on abnormal weather patterns are varies and many. It is therefore important to make citizens aware of their roles and once this is achieved, perhaps even choice of environmental friendly products would become a necessity.