INTRODUCTION

• A recent report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) paints a concerning picture of Asia in 2023, highlighting it as the world's most disaster-prone region due to an alarming rise in floods, storms, and heatwaves.

REASONS

• Frequent & Deadly Disasters:

• According to the WMO Report, over 40% of global natural disasters occurred in Asia in 2023, twice the number compared to other regions.

• Floods and storms were the most frequent and deadly disasters, causing:

• Over 2,000 fatalities across Asia.

• Direct impact on 9 million people, displacing them, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting livelihoods.

• Examples:

• Tropical Cyclone Mocha (Bay of Bengal): This powerful cyclone, considered the strongest in a decade, struck Bangladesh and Myanmar in 2023. 

• It exemplifies the increasing intensity of storms in the region, causing widespread destruction and claiming 156 lives.

• Monsoon Floods (India, Pakistan, Nepal): During June-August 2023, these countries experienced devastating floods and storms, resulting in over 600 reported deaths.

• Intensifying Heatwaves:

• According to the WMO Report, Asia witnessed record-breaking high temperatures in 2023, with the annual mean near-surface temperature exceeding the 1991-2020 average by 0.91°C.

• Eastern and Northern India faced the most significant temperature rise within the country. 

• This can have cascading effects on water availability, agriculture, and human health.

• Example: Heatwaves are projected to become more frequent and severe, leading to water shortages, agricultural losses, and heat-related illnesses.

• Melting Glaciers & Water Security Threat:

• High Mountain Asia, home to the world's largest ice reserves outside the polar regions, is under threat.

• 20 out of 22 observed glaciers in this region showed continued mass loss, with melt rates accelerating.

• Record high temperatures and dry conditions in the Himalayas exacerbated glacier melt, threatening future water security for millions who rely on these glacial reserves.

• Example: A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) triggered by melting glaciers occurred through the Teesta River in India, causing casualties and highlighting the dangers posed by glacial retreat.

• Chamoli Flash Floods (February 2021): This devastating event involved a breach in a glacial lake near the Nanda Devi glacier, triggering a massive flood that swept away dams, infrastructure, and caused casualties.

• Sea Level Rise & Coastal Vulnerability:

• The Bay of Bengal experienced the second-highest sea level rise globally in 2023, nearly 30% above the global average.

• This rise threatens low-lying coastal areas with increased flooding, salinization of freshwater sources, and displacement of populations.

• Examples: Chennai, Tamil Nadu: This major city faces coastal erosion and flooding due to rising sea levels. 

• In 2020, heavy rains and high tides exacerbated coastal flooding, causing damage to infrastructure and highlighting the city's vulnerability.

• Uneven Precipitation & Extreme Events:

• Despite overall lower precipitation in 2023, many regions faced extremes:

• Southwestern China suffered a severe drought with below-normal rainfall throughout the year.

• Record-breaking sudden rainfall events triggered by cyclones caused devastating floods in other areas.

• Example: The Hong Kong Observatory recorded the highest hourly rainfall total since 1884 due to a typhoon in September 2023. 

• Example (2022): Heavy monsoon rains caused devastating floods in Assam and Bihar in 2022, displacing millions and causing widespread damage

INDIA ONE OF BIGGEST SUFFERERS

• Heatwave Deaths:  

• Around 110 heat stroke fatalities occurred in India due to severe heat waves in April and June 2023.

• Record-Breaking Temperatures:  

• A prolonged heat wave impacted South-East Asia, including eastern India, with unprecedented high temperatures.

• Temperature Increase:  

• Compared to the 1991-2021 average, eastern India saw a significant temperature rise (0.5 to 1 degree Celsius) in 2023. 

• This affected states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and northern states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Punjab.

• Sea Level Rise: 

•  The Bay of Bengal witnessed a concerning rate of sea level rise:

• 4.44 mm per year (calculated through satellite measurements, Jan 1993 - May 2023).

• 30% higher than the global average of 3.4 mm per year..

• Second-highest globally, behind only the western tropical Pacific region (4.53 mm per year).

• Example:  The Sundarbans in West Bengal face the highest sea level rise in India, posing a threat to this ecologically sensitive region.

WAYFORWARD

•  Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation:

• Early Warning Systems: Investing in and strengthening early warning systems for floods, heatwaves, cyclones, and other extreme weather events can give communities crucial lead time to prepare and evacuate.

• Climate-Smart Infrastructure: Developing infrastructure that is more resilient to climate change, such as flood-proofed buildings and heat-resistant roads, is essential.

• Urban Planning: Integrating climate considerations into urban planning can help cities adapt to rising sea levels, heatwaves, and extreme rainfall events.

• Ecosystem Restoration: Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems like mangroves and forests can provide natural buffers against floods and storms.

• Mitigation Strategies:

• Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Transitioning to cleaner energy sources and adopting sustainable practices are crucial to slow down climate change and reduce the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events.

• Energy Efficiency: Promoting energy efficiency measures in buildings, industries, and transportation can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Sustainable Agriculture: Encouraging practices like sustainable agriculture and soil conservation can help mitigate the impact of climate change on food security.

• Climate Finance and Technology Transfer:

• Developed nations need to fulfil their commitments under the Paris Agreement to provide financial assistance to developing countries like those in Asia for adaptation and mitigation efforts.

• Technology transfer is crucial to help developing countries adopt clean energy technologies and climate-resilient practices.

• Regional and International Cooperation:

• Regional coordination on issues like water management and early warning systems for transboundary rivers and weather events is essential.

• Global cooperation is vital to address climate change, the root cause of the problems highlighted in the WMO report. 

• Countries need to work together to achieve ambitious emission reduction targets.

GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND ADAPTATION:

• Early Warning Systems:

• INDIA:

• India's Ministry of Jal Shakti has modernised 502 data collection stations and set up three Earth receiving stations to provide real-time data for flood forecasting. 

• The Central Water Commission (CWC) has also established a network of over 147 flood forecasting and warning sites on major interstate rivers.

• The CWC's flood forecasting system includes 175 stations and is being modernised and expanded.

• BANGLADESH:

• Bangladesh's Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) uses a network of volunteers and wireless communication to send cyclone warnings to remote coastal communities. 

• The CPP has over 76,000 volunteers, including 20 volunteers in each village unit, who are trained in disaster preparation.

• Climate-Smart Infrastructure:

• NEPAL:

• Building earthquake-resistant schools and hospitals in regions prone to tremors .

• "Comprehensive School Safety" plan focuses on earthquake-proofing schools, training staff, and preparing for emergencies.

• Minimum Package: Provides basic resources like early warning systems, first-aid kits, and evacuation drills.

• In Kathmandu Valley, 160 public school buildings survived the 7.8-magnitude earthquake after the 2015 Earthquake.

• VIETNAM:

• Constructing seawalls and dykes along vulnerable coastlines to protect against rising sea levels and storm surges.

• Urban Planning:

• CHINA:

• China has been developing green spaces and urban greening measures in its cities to help combat rising temperatures. 

• Green spaces can help reduce energy demand and increase carbon sequestration. 

• For example, Beijing's 16,577 hectares of green space can absorb 3.33 × 1012 kJ of heat during the summer, which reduces air conditioning demand by 60%.

• SOUTH KOREA:

• Implementing rainwater harvesting systems and permeable pavements in urban areas to manage stormwater runoff during heavy rainfall events.

• The Star City rainwater management system (RWMS) in Seoul, South Korea has been operating since 2007 and is considered a model water management system. 

• The system uses a 3,000 m3 rainwater tank for water saving, flood mitigation, and emergency response. 

• The RWMS is a Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) strategy for floods and droughts that supplements the existing centralised water infrastructure

• Ecosystem Restoration:

• INDONESIA:

• In 2020, the Indonesian government announced the National Mangrove Rehabilitation Program, which aims to restore 600,000 hectares of mangroves by 2024. 

• The World Bank-funded Mangroves for Coastal Resilience project, launched in 2022, supports this goal.

• INDIA:

• The Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) is a program launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change on June 5, 2023, to conserve and restore mangrove ecosystems. 

• The program's goals include: Mitigating the effects of climate change, Preventing coastal erosion, Sustaining local livelihoods, and Educating people about the importance of mangroves.

• Sustainable Agriculture:

• INDIA:

• Crop rotation and cover cropping are sustainable agriculture practices that can improve soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

•  The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) is promoting crop rotation for sustainable crop production in India.

• Organic Farming:

• The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2015 to promote organic farming in India. 

• The scheme is a part of the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and is an extension of the Soil Health Management (SHM) component. 

• The PMKVY aims to improve soil health by supporting and promoting organic farming, thereby reducing pollution.

  
  

---

• SHORT TAKE

  • World Meteorological Organisation (WMO):

  • Established in 1950, WMO became the specialised agency of the UN for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.

  • Headquarters:  Geneva, Switzerland.

  • Currently it has a membership of 187 countries.

  • Major Programmes:

  • World Weather Watch: A system of satellites and telecommunication networks connecting land and sea sites for monitoring weather conditions.

  • World Climate Programme: It monitors climate change, including global warming.

  • Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme: Designed to promote research on issues such as ozone depletion.

  
  

CONCLUSION

To build a climate-resilient future, India, a regional power frequently struck by disasters, must champion a collaborative disaster relief mechanism in Asia that prioritises risk reduction, strengthens preparedness, and fosters international cooperation t

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
ASIA DISASTER MANAGEMENT WMO