Asia, the world’s largest and most populous continent, is facing a rising temperatures and record rainfall. Countries in the region are battling scorching heat and unprecedented monsoon rains, prompting governments to issue warnings and urge residents to brace for more extreme weather events.
Torrential Rain and Torrents
Japan, China, South Korea and India have experienced heavy rainfall this month, causing floods, landslides and power outages. In South Korea, in particular, at least 41 people were killed and thousands were forced to flee their homes. The country’s president Yoon Suk Yeol stressed the urgent need for a new approach to dealing with extreme weather events.
Japan faces record rainfall and devastating floods
Japan experienced record rainfall in the southwestern region, causing severe flooding that killed at least six people and left many missing. The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged affected residents to be extremely vigilant.
READ MORE: John Kerry tackles China’s climate crisis amid extreme heatwaves
Southeast Asia and India were hit by a large flood
countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Cambodia and India, are battling widespread flooding. Heavy rains have disrupted traffic in major cities such as Manila and Phnom Penh. Record rainfall in India has brought states to a standstill and killed many people.
The Intense Heat Exacerbates the Crisis
While some areas are dealing with floods, others are facing extreme heat waves. Northeast China saw a record high of 52.2 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) and Japan reached 39.7 degrees Celsius (103 Fahrenheit). Rising Temperatures at more than five weather stations in China soared above 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit), further exacerbating the global climate crisis.
vulnerable populations at risk
Aging communities and vulnerable populations bear the brunt of extreme weather.Heat-related illnesses are on the rise among the elderly in Japan, accounting for 28% of the population. Tokyo, Kyoto and other major cities are grappling with dangerous levels of heat that are causing power shortages due to growing power shortages.
Asia’s Climate change
Scientists warn that extreme weather events will intensify due to the man-made climate crisis. The World Meteorological Organization predicts that temperatures will rise above extremes in the next five years. With more than 4.4 billion people, Asia is highly vulnerable to climate impacts, including water scarcity, crop failure and economic decline.
Disastrous floods in Pakistan portend bleak future
Last year’s devastating floods in Pakistan killed more than 1,700 people, left millions homeless and plunged the country into its worst economic crisis in decades.Prime Minister Sheikh Baz Sharif has warned the UN General Assembly that the effects of climate change will affect any country, completely redefining national security.
India’s looming climate crisis
India, the world’s most populous country, is facing severe impacts from the climate crisis, which could affect 1.4 billion people. A heat wave in the north and east has forced thousands of people to flee severe floods in states like Himachal Pradesh. Urban slum dwellers, who make up 35% of the population, are particularly vulnerable to floods and other climate-related disasters.
Climate crisis affects India’s poor
floods have devastated India’s poor population, nearly half a billion people living in urban slums, despite not being responsible for climate change. Extreme weather events are an ominous indicator of the future, underscoring the need for urgent action by global decision-makers.
Call for collective action on climate change
As Asia experiences the devastating effects of rising temperatures and record rainfall, the need for collective action to address climate change has become increasingly apparent. Governments, industries and individuals must recognize the reality of climate change and take decisive action to mitigate its effects. If no action is taken now, the crisis will only worsen, putting lives, economies and ecosystems at risk.