Understanding the Effects of Extreme Weather in India

Extreme Weather Events in North India: An Overview

Between March and June 2024, vast regions of North India and the broader Indian subcontinent encountered severe weather patterns, including intense heatwaves followed by heavy rainfall and flooding. During this period, some areas recorded unprecedented high temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.

This extreme heat resulted in significant health repercussions. Public hospitals in New Delhi reported over 250 cases of heat-related deaths, and a multitude of heat-induced health issues were prevalent across the region.

Infrastructural Damage and Economic Impact

Alongside health impacts, the extreme weather led to considerable infrastructural damage. Numerous incidents of infrastructural failures, including the collapse of airport terminals and bridges, were reported, primarily triggered by heavy rainfall. These failures underscored issues of substandard construction quality and potential corruption in public infrastructure projects.

The economic fallout was substantial, with many individuals, especially street vendors and workers in labor-intensive jobs, witnessing a decline in earnings due to the extreme heat. Reports indicated that nearly half of the surveyed street vendors experienced a significant drop in business during periods of intense heat.

Policy Recommendations to Mitigate Extreme Weather Impact

• Immediate Notification of Heatwaves as Natural Disasters: The National Disaster Management Act, 2005, currently does not classify heatwaves as natural disasters. This policy recommendation advocates for the immediate classification of heatwaves as natural disasters, enabling a standardized response to mitigate their health and livelihood impacts.
• State Disaster Response Fund: States should allocate up to 10% of the State Disaster Response Fund for local disasters, including heatwaves and lightning. This funding would enhance states' ability to respond effectively to these extreme weather events.
• Infrastructural Improvements: Stringent regulations and oversight in construction projects are essential to prevent substandard quality and corruption. Ensuring high-quality materials and adherence to safety standards in civil and municipal infrastructure is crucial for mitigating the effects of extreme weather.
• Urban Planning Adjustments: Current urban planning guidelines require revision to address the increased frequency of flooding and waterlogging. Proper floodplain zoning and regulation are critical to preventing disasters in flood-prone areas.
• Public Health Infrastructure: Enhancing public health infrastructure to manage the rising burden of heat-related illnesses is necessary. This includes improving hospital preparedness and resources for managing heatwave impacts.
• Support for Vulnerable Communities: Policies should emphasize support for vulnerable populations, including street vendors and the working poor, who are disproportionately affected by extreme weather. This could involve financial assistance, healthcare access, and measures to ensure their safety during severe weather events.

By implementing these policy recommendations, the government can better address and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What were the health impacts of the extreme weather in India during 2024?
Answer: The extreme weather led to significant health issues, with over 250 heat-related deaths reported in New Delhi and widespread heat-induced health problems across the region.

Q2. How did the extreme weather affect infrastructure in India?
Answer: Numerous infrastructural failures occurred, including the collapse of airport terminals and bridges, revealing issues related to construction quality and potential corruption in public projects.

Q3. What are some key policy recommendations to address extreme weather impacts?
Answer: Key recommendations include classifying heatwaves as natural disasters, allocating funds for local disasters, and improving public health infrastructure to manage heat-related illnesses.

Q4. How can vulnerable communities be supported during extreme weather events?
Answer: Policies should focus on providing financial assistance, healthcare access, and safety measures for vulnerable populations, including street vendors and low-income workers.

Q5. Why is urban planning important in mitigating extreme weather effects?
Answer: Proper urban planning, including floodplain zoning and regulation, is crucial to prevent disasters in flood-prone areas and manage the impacts of increased flooding and waterlogging.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What temperature was recorded in some regions of North India during the extreme weather of 2024?
A) 40 degrees Celsius
B) 45 degrees Celsius
C) 50 degrees Celsius
D) 55 degrees Celsius
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: Which act currently does not classify heatwaves as natural disasters?
A) Environmental Protection Act
B) Disaster Management Act, 2005
C) National Climate Policy
D) Urban Planning Act
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: How much of the State Disaster Response Fund should be allocated for local disasters, including heatwaves?
A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 15%
D) 20%
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What was a significant economic impact of the extreme weather on street vendors?
A) Increased business
B) Decreased earnings
C) No impact
D) Expansion of operations
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is a necessary improvement for public health infrastructure during extreme weather?
A) Reducing hospital staff
B) Enhancing preparedness for heat-related illnesses
C) Limiting health services
D) Decreasing funding for hospitals
Correct Answer: B