Monsoon Moisture and Climate Change Blamed for Flooding in South Asia

Extreme weather has lashed out across parts of South Asia in recent weeks, triggering deadly flooding across the region and killing hundreds of people. Here is a look at what is happening in this vulnerable corner of the world.

Heavy Rain Triggers Widespread Flooding in South Asia

Climatologists are putting the blame on global warming and the typical impacts of the annual monsoon season for the torrential rain that has whipped around South Asia this summer. Widespread devastation has been unleashed across a zone from Afghanistan to Bangladesh and India and up into Nepal.

In addition to the hundreds of confirmed fatalities, millions of residents have been displaced from their homes as a result of the flooding. Exacerbating the threat is the fact that roughly 25% of the world's population lives in this zone which is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

While flooding created by the monsoon moisture is not uncommon this time of the year, the climate crisis is amplifying the normal effects. The heavy rain has been enhanced by the extreme heat that has laid the groundwork for more severe weather.

The heavy and persistent rain has sent water levels in rivers to dangerous levels. Roads have been washed away and vital infrastructure pieces across the region have been severely damaged. Agricultural interests have also been significantly impacted by the volatile weather pattern.