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In 2023, India witnessed a substantial decrease in internal displacements caused by disasters, marking a significant shift from the previous year's figures. The latest global report reveals that over half a million people were displaced within the country due to floods, storms, earthquakes, and other calamities, down sharply from approximately 2.5 million in 2022. This reduction is noted amidst a backdrop of environmental changes and improved disaster management strategies.
Among the areas most affected, Delhi stood out due to the flooding of the Yamuna River on July 9, 2023. The unprecedented rainfall led to the evacuation of numerous residents, showcasing the city's vulnerability to natural disasters. This event highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by 'flood displacement hotspots' in managing such crises effectively.
The report, compiled by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), also shed light on the broader regional impact, with South Asia experiencing around 3.7 million internal displacements in 2023. Most of these were attributed to disasters, making it the lowest regional displacement figure since 2018. The decline is partially credited to the El Nino event, which resulted in below-average rainfall and a weaker cyclone season.
Despite the overall decrease, floods and storms continued to displace large numbers of people, particularly in India. The country recorded its lowest flood displacement figure since 2008, with Assam witnessing the largest displacement event due to flooding in June, affecting 20 districts. Cyclone Biparjoy and Cyclone Mocha also made significant impacts, causing widespread flooding and displacements across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Bangladesh.
The IDMC highlighted the effectiveness of forecasting and early warning systems in reducing the scale of displacement. These systems enabled pre-emptive evacuations, particularly in response to cyclone threats, demonstrating the importance of preparedness in disaster management.
Alexandra Bilak, the director of IDMC, emphasized that no country is immune to disaster displacement. However, the extent of its impact can be mitigated by planning and preparation. Bilak's statement underscores the need for countries to utilize data in crafting prevention, response, and long-term development plans that take displacement into account.
Furthermore, the frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves, is expected to rise in India due to climate change. Research from the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, indicates that the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases is contributing to the instability of atmospheric conditions, leading to more severe thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall. Additionally, meteorologists warn that cyclonic storms are becoming more intense and lasting longer, exacerbated by global warming.
This report not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of disaster-induced displacements in India and South Asia but also underscores the critical importance of climate change mitigation and enhanced disaster readiness to manage future events more effectively.
With Inputs from PTI.
