Study Finds Climate Change Intensified Deadly Asia Floods, Impacting Regional Stability
Recent research has revealed that climate change significantly intensified the devastating floods that occurred across South and Southeast Asia, resulting in over 1,600 fatalities. The region was hit by a series of tropical cyclones, including Cyclones Ditwah and Senyar, which caused extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and agriculture, leading to losses estimated at $20 billion. The study, conducted by World Weather Attribution, highlighted that warmer Indian Ocean waters, approximately 0.2°C above the long-term seasonal average, contributed to the severity of these storms by providing additional heat and moisture. The research also noted that human-induced climate change has likely increased the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, exacerbating the impact of these natural disasters.