Major Floods Highlight Climate Impacts

A spate of recent deadly flooding is focusing attention on climate threats. Climate models predict more floods associated with global warming. As reported by the Weather Network, “As the earth’s climate changes, fatal floods seem to have become an increasingly prevalent threat.”

According to a report from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction floods accounted for 30 percent of the world’s top ten deadliest natural disasters in 2015. The economic cost is also substantial. Floods are the most expensive natural disasters in the US. Since 2005, The US insurance industry has paid out an average of $3.5 billion each year for flood claims.

Flooding is one of the corollaries of climate change and the situation is expected to get far worse.  As reported by the Independent, one study suggests that at least one billion people will be at risk by 2060. As if to corroborate the current day reality of this threat here are four recent major flood events taking place around the world.

1. Sudan

The Nile River has reached its highest levels in more than 100 years. As a result, 13 of Sudan’s 18 provinces have been hit by flash flooding and heavy rains. The floods have caused at least 76 fatalities, destroying over 3,200 homes in the province of Kassala — an area hit the hardest. The United Nations reports that 80,000 people are impacted by the flooding to date.

2. Pakistan

Karachi, Pakistan continues to be hit with days of torrential rain, leaving nearly 50 percent of the city without power. At least 10 people have perished in the floods.

3. Macedonia

A violent deluge swept through Stajkovci, Macedonia, killing an estimated 20 people including one child. Winds peaked at 80 kilometers per hour, and landslides prevented about 70 vehicles on a highway from moving.

4. India

India’s powerful monsoon rains have contributed to a death toll nearing 100, with roughly a million others seeking shelter in government relief camps. Districts in the state of Bihar are among the most seriously impacted. Trees have been uprooted and telephone cables have been destroyed. At least 17 rare one-horned rhinos have died due to the flooding passing through Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.