Cyclones are hitting South and Southeast Asia, causing at least 1,200 deaths in Indonesia (604), Sri Lanka (355), Thailand (160), Vietnam (90), extensive damage, and hundreds of thousands of evacuations.
Since the beginning of the year, at least 16 cyclones and dozens of depressions have occurred in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Even moderate cyclones now produce extreme rainfall and can trigger widespread flooding, said Roxy Mathew Koll, climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
“What stands out this year are the rainfall and chain effects – landslides and flash floods, not necessarily the number of storms,” he said.
Since the beginning of the year, at least 16 cyclones have occurred in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
One cyclone (Ditwah), after hitting Sri Lanka, is expected to move toward India, while another cyclone (Senyar) has reached Indonesia and is heading toward Malaysia.
The region is affected by intense monsoons and cyclones; however, due to climate change and warmer conditions, the intensity and volume of rainfall are increasing.
Countries affected by this year’s storms have uneven climate adaptation plans and are already struggling to respond to environmental pressures. Many of these governments also face complex economic and political challenges, along with public pressure for a rapid and effective disaster response, according to the New York Times.
Πηγή: New York Times
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