In 5 years, 335 lives lost to extreme weather events: GoI

Srinagar, Dec 11: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a total of 335 fatalities due to extreme weather events, including floods, lightning, and snowfall, over the last five years.
The data was shared by the Union Minister for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in Parliament on Wednesday in response to a query during the Lok Sabha session.
He said that lightning accounted for 20 deaths, floods and heavy rains led to 276 fatalities, and snowfall-related incidents claimed 39 lives in Jammu and Kashmir between 2019 and 2023 as per the data, compiled by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The Minister said that in 2023 alone, 54 people lost their lives in J&K due to extreme weather events, with floods accounting for the highest number of fatalities.
The Minister attributed the increasing frequency of extreme weather to climate change and emphasized the need for robust preparedness and mitigation strategies.
He said IMD has significantly enhanced its early warning systems to minimize loss of life and property. Impact-based warnings and pre-monsoon preparedness meetings with disaster management authorities are among the key measures being implemented, he added.
Dr. Singh also highlighted the launch of the “Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas of India” to assist state governments and disaster management agencies in preparing for hazardous weather conditions.
He stressed the importance of building climate-resilient infrastructure and educating communities about adapting to changing climate patterns. Across the country, extreme weather claimed 2,483 lives in 2023, with lightning being the leading cause of fatalities.
The Minister said the IMD has developed mobile apps like ‘Mausam’ and ‘Damini’ for real-time weather updates and lightning alerts to mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters.