Wayanad Landslides in 2024 Linked to Global Water Cycle Disruption

Wayanad Landslides in 2024 Linked to Global Water Cycle Disruption

The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report highlights major disturbances in the global water cycle caused by climate change, triggering devastating water-related disasters globally. These events have claimed more than 8,700 lives, displaced 40 million individuals, and caused economic damages exceeding $550 billion.

The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report underscores significant disruptions in the global water cycle driven by climate change, leading to severe water-related disasters around the world. These events resulted in over 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people, and caused economic losses exceeding $550 billion. The report highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as landslides, floods, and droughts, due to global warming, which are severely impacting ecosystems, livelihoods, and infrastructure. The Wayanad landslides in India are particularly noted as a devastating example of climate-induced disasters.

Key Highlights from the 2024 Report Global Water Cycle Disruption Climate change has significantly altered the global water cycle in 2024, contributing to a rise in water-related disasters such as landslides, floods, droughts, and tropical cyclones. The disasters resulted in over 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people, and caused $550 billion in economic damages. Wayanad Landslides (India) In July 2024, 409mm of rainfall in 24 hours triggered the landslides in Wayanad, leading to the loss of 375 lives and displacing 10,000 people. The disaster caused $140 million in economic losses and serves as a key example of the deadly effects of climate-induced rainfall. Other Major Disasters Flash floods and river floods affected Afghanistan, Pakistan, and East Africa. Severe flooding occurred in Rio Grande do Sul and the Amazon Basin in Brazil. Tropical cyclones, landslides, and droughts were linked to rising global temperatures. Climate Change Impact Rising sea surface temperatures contributed to prolonged droughts in Southern Africa and the Amazon. Extreme rainfall events occurred 52% more frequently in 2024 compared to previous decades, while record-dry months increased by 38%, worsening water scarcity. Temperature and Precipitation Trends 2024 saw the highest-ever global land temperatures, with significant increases in extreme rainfall and dry periods. 34 countries recorded their highest annual maximum temperatures, and the frequency of extreme weather events like heatwaves and flash floods rose. Declining Water Storage Lake and reservoir water storage decreased globally for the fifth consecutive year, particularly in South America, while some regions of Africa saw increases. Forecast for 2025 The report forecasts the likelihood of more extreme weather events, including flash floods, droughts, intense storms, and heatwaves. Regions at risk include Northern South America, Southern Africa, Central Asia, North America, and Western Australia, with increased flooding risks in the Sahel, Horn of Africa, Europe, and Asia.

CO₂, Methane & Nitrous Oxide

The 2024 greenhouse gas levels have reached an alarming record, according to the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). The latest climate change report 2024 confirms that

India Elephant Population 2025

The Indian elephant population in 2025 has drawn significant attention from conservationists, policymakers, and students preparing for competitive exams like SSC. According to the latest All-India

Climate Change Threat on the Rise Globally

The climate change threat has emerged as the most serious environmental challenge for the world’s natural heritage sites. According to the latest IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4, released in O

Compressed Biogas Plant Launch

India has launched its first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra. This is a big step toward renewable energy, green energy, and sustainable rural develop

Project Dolphin India

Project Dolphin India is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at conserving India’s dolphin species, both in rivers and marine ecosystems. Launched under the theme of human

Madhya Pradesh’s Gaj Rakshak App

The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is not only famous for its tigers but has also become home to a growing population of elephants. With this increase, human-elephant conflicts have e

Mountain Ecosystem Explained

The fragile mountain ecosystem of the Himalayas is facing unprecedented climate risks and ecological challenges. At the 12th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS-XII) held in Dehradun, ex

Draft 2025 Solid Waste Management

India marks 25 years since its first Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Rules in 2000. Over the years, the country has seen evolving regulations and infrastructure aimed at cleaner cities, but many urban

Floods and Landslides in Hilly Regions

The current monsoon has brought unusually intense rainfall to hilly states such as Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, exacerbating the incidence of floods and landslides. Rivers are swelling to per

India’s CO₂ Emissions Drop in 2025

India’s CO₂ emissions have always been a critical issue in the context of sustainable development, economic growth, and climate change. For the first time outside a crisis period like the