Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has seen a rising trend in fatalities caused by natural calamities over the past five years, data shows.
A total of 263 deaths have been reported due to disastrous weather events in Jammu and Kashmir over the five years from 2019-2023, as per official data.
As per the data from the Earth Sciences Ministry, over 200 people lost their lives between 2019 and 2023 due to events such as snowfall, flooding, lightning, and heavy rains.
In 2023, there were 54 fatalities: 9 due to snowfall, 5 due to lightning, and 40 from floods and heavy rains.
In 2022, 57 deaths were recorded: 3 due to snowfall, 4 from gales, 7 from lightning, and 43 caused by floods and heavy rains.
In 2021, 32 lives were lost: 4 due to snowfall, 2 from cold waves, 4 from lightning, 1 from a hailstorm, and 21 from floods and heavy rains.
The government said that the India Meteorological Department (IMD), in coordination with research centers, has implemented measures to improve monitoring and early warning systems for extreme weather events.
“It provides weather information to stakeholders, including government bodies, and issues forecasts, warnings, and color-coded alerts to aid disaster management,” it said.
“IMD has developed tools like the online “Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas of India” and mobile apps such as “Mausam,” “Meghdoot,” and “Damini” for weather forecasts, agromet advisories, and lightning alerts,” it said.
“These efforts are supported by preparedness meetings and collaborations to minimize the impact of extreme weather. Climate change impacts, including rising temperatures and severe weather, are also monitored and documented in reports like the Climate Change Assessment Report,” it added—(KNO)
