Climate Change Intensifies: Landslides in Kerala at 10% Stronger Due to Human Impact

A study by the World Weather Attribution group found that heavy rains in Kerala, India, made 10% stronger by human-caused climate change, triggered deadly landslides killing over 200 people. The research suggests that future climate change-driven rainfall will further increase landslide risks if global warming continues.

A recent study by the World Weather Attribution group has revealed that the heavy rainfall causing last month's deadly landslides in Kerala, India, was intensified by human-caused climate change. The landslides, which resulted in over 200 fatalities, are now believed to have been made approximately 10% stronger due to climate impacts.

The catastrophic event, occurring on July 30 in Wayanad, is noted as Kerala's worst disaster since the 2018 floods that claimed more than 400 lives. The study emphasizes that single-day monsoon downpours in Wayanad have become heavier by 10% because of climate change. Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan cited extreme rainfall, with the region receiving 572 millimeters over 48 hours, as the cause of casualties. If fossil fuel consumption continues unchecked, these rainfall events could grow another 4% heavier, the study warns.

Experts recommend measures like minimizing deforestation, managing quarrying activities, strengthening susceptible slopes, and developing better early warning systems to prevent future calamities. The study also identifies over-development and tourism as potential aggravating factors. As the latest in a series of climate-linked disasters in India, the findings highlight the urgency of addressing climate change's impacts on extreme weather.

(With inputs from agencies.)