Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 200 deaths from extreme weather in five years, data reveals

Srinagar, Dec 11: Jammu and Kashmir has seen a rising trend in fatalities caused by natural calamities over the past five years, data shows.

As per the data from the Earth Sciences Ministry, over 200 people lost their lives between 2019 and 2023 due to events such as snowfall, flooding, lightning, and heavy rains.

The figures, presented in response to a Lok Sabha query, reflect the increasing severity of these incidents. In 2023, extreme weather claimed 54 lives, with flooding and heavy rains causing 40 deaths, snowfall leading to 9 fatalities, and lightning resulting in 5 deaths.

The previous year, 2022, saw a slightly higher toll of 57 deaths, primarily due to floods and heavy rains, which killed 43 people. Snowfall caused 3 fatalities, lightning incidents led to 7 deaths, and gale-force winds claimed 4 lives.

In 2021, the death toll was comparatively lower at 32, but flooding and rains remained the major cause, accounting for 21 deaths. Lightning and snowfall each caused 4 fatalities, while cold waves and a hailstorm were responsible for 2 and 1 deaths, respectively.

The year 2020 was marked by significant losses, with 38 deaths reported. Flooding caused 13 fatalities, gale-force winds claimed 3 lives, lightning killed 5, and snowfall resulted in 17 deaths. In 2019, 10 fatalities were reported, including 7 due to snowfall and 3 from thunder-related incidents.

In response to these recurring tragedies, the Government has launched initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of extreme weather.