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What data says?
Over the past five years, Madhya Pradesh has steadily risen in hydro-meteorological disaster-related fatalities. Between 2018 and 2024, the state averaged 266 deaths yearly from disasters like tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, floods and drought.
- In 2024, Madhya Pradesh reported 353 deaths due to extreme weather events. Over 25,170 hectares of agricultural land were damaged, 7,278 houses destroyed, and 61 animals lost.
- In 2023, the state saw 253 fatalities, with 45,000 hectares of crops affected, 2,626 houses damaged, and 376 animal deaths.
- In 2022, there were 301 deaths, 6,646 homes impacted, and 997 livestock deaths due to similar extreme weather events.
- In 2021: The death toll fell to 191, but significant flooding caused extensive damage to homes and agricultural infrastructure.
- In 2020: during the COVID-19 lockdown, Madhya Pradesh recorded 89 deaths due to extreme weather events
- In 2019: Madhya Pradesh witnessed 674 deaths, 1,888 animal fatalities, and Rs 12,000 crore in damages due to heavy rains and floods. Over 1.18 lakh buildings were damaged, and 60.47 lakh hectares of farmland affected.
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A study by the State Climate Change Knowledge Management Centre warns that Madhya Pradesh, prone to droughts and floods, faces increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change. Rising temperatures over the next 50 years are expected to worsen its vulnerability.
Taking a proactive approach, Madhya Pradesh has made an Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), focusing on adapting to the growing risks of climate disasters. It acknowledges the challenges posed by agriculture and forestry, which are deeply vulnerable to changing weather patterns.
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