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Time of India
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Water in tunnel, suicide stall metro, add to commute pain
1 2 3 4 Kolkata: Kolkata experienced severe commute challenges on Monday as heavy rainfall since morning led to waterlogging of key arterial roads in central and north Kolkata. This was compounded by two disruptions in the city's lifeline — the metro — during Monday's rush hours. The first metro disruption was caused by water seepage into the tunnels, forcing the authorities to suspend services in the Maidan-Girish Park section for nearly two hours from 9.05am. Again, between 11.20am and 12.28pm, no train was run in the Girish Park-Noapara section after an elderly man died by suicide at Belgachhia station. Amid heavy downpour around 8.45am, patrolling staff spotted the water on tracks between Chandni Chowk and Central stations and alerted the control room. At 9.05am, the third rail was switched off and services were partially suspended. Truncated operations were run in Maidan-New Garia (Kavi Subhas) and Noapara-Dakshineswar sections while water was pumped out. Normal services resumed at 10.58am after the seepage was plugged. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Commuters were stranded as multiple trains were held up between Mahatma Gandhi Road and Park Street stations. They tried boarding overcrowded buses and avail overpriced app cabs to reach their workplace. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Adidas Three Shorts With 60% Discount, Limited Stock Available Original Adidas Shop Now Undo Archishman Chatterjee, who was headed for Baranagar, said, "At 10 am, I learnt from the passenger address system at Shahid Khudiram station that truncated services were being run. By the time I reached Maidan, normal services had resumed. But the train stopped again at MG Road because of the Belgachhia station suicide." Police said the 69-year-old Ashokenagar resident, who jumped before a New Garia-bound train, was declared "brought dead" when taken to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The metro disruptions spilled onto the streets, congesting traffic further. Daylong protests against the law college gang rape clogged BB Ganguly Street and the Y-channel in Esplanade, added to commuter woes. Police diverted traffic at Shyambazar Five-Point crossing. The snarl at Bijon Setu lasted the longest. Central Avenue, MG Road, Vivekananda Road, JM Avenue, Bidhan Sarani, BB Ganguly Street and stretches of EM Bypass were among the most affected due to waterlogging that slowed traffic to a crawl. Though Amherst Street and KC Sen Street had only ankle-deep waterlogging, motorists tried to avoid the stretch which led to traffic jams extending from the Lock Gate flyover till Chiria More.. The inundation of tracks at the Chandni Chowk metro station reminded one of another Monday morning in May, 2024 when overnight rains caused by Cyclone Remal had flooded Park Street and Esplanade metro stations. "Due to the heavy downpour, parts of Central Avenue were under knee deep water this morning. The water suddenly started to enter the tunnel between Central and Chandni Chawk stations around 08.30 hrs. As the a train's motorman informed the Central Control, metro services were suspended on the stretch from 9.05am to ensure passengers' safety," metro said in a statement. Reacting to Metro Rail's statement, the M-MICoverseeing the KMC sewerage and drainage Tarak Singh said, instead of playing a blame game, the metro officials should sit with the KMC drainage department officials to arrive at a solution. "Our drainage system has nothing to do with the metro operations," he said.
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Business Standard
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Business Standard
Harsh climate claims over 2,000 lives in India in 2024: WMO climate report
Extreme natural events in 2024 claimed the lives of over 2,000 people in India, including over 450 from intense heat wave last summer, according to World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Temperatures shot up to nearly 50°C the previous summer, especially in northern India. The onset of monsoon (June-September) in India was normal in 2024 at 108 per cent of its climatological normal for the 1971–2020 period. However, heavy rainfall in Kerala's Wayanad caused landslides, killing over 350 people. Around 1,300 lost their lives due to lightning in various parts of the country, the WMO's State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report said on Monday. In the case of lightning, it claimed around 1,300 lives in various parts of the country. This includes the deaths of 72 people on July 10 due to bad weather conditions, coupled with lightning, in various parts of the country, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Jharkhand. Asia's average temperature in 2024 was about 1.04°C above the 1991–2020 average, ranking as the warmest or second-warmest year on record, with widespread and prolonged heat wave. The warming trend between 1991–2024 was almost double compared to the 1961–1990 period, the report stated. Asia is the continent with the largest land mass extending to the Arctic and is warming more than twice as fast as the global average because 'the temperature increase over land is larger than the temperature increase over the ocean,' the report said. The entire oceanic area of Asia experienced surface ocean warming over recent decades, with particularly rapid rates of sea-surface temperature (SST) increase observed in the northern Arabian Sea and Pacific Ocean portion of the region. The area-averaged time series indicates average SST warming at a rate of 0.24 °C per decade, which is nearly double the global mean rate of 0.13°C per decade. The area-averaged SST for 2024 was the highest on record (1982–2024). Variations in SST alter the transfer of energy, momentum and gases between the ocean and the atmosphere. SSTs influence weather and climate patterns, such as extreme rainfall patterns in Indonesia and India, the Asian summer monsoon, wildfire activity and sea-ice variability. During 2024, four tropical cyclones formed over the north Indian Ocean. Three of them formed over the Bay of Bengal (Remal, Dana, Fengal), and one over the Arabian Sea (Asna). Severe cyclonic storm Remal made a landfall near the Mongla and Khepupara coasts in Bangladesh and West Bengal on May 26, 2024. In Bangladesh, the highest recorded wind speed was 111 km/h on May 27, and the storm surge, accompanied by extremely heavy rainfall, caused flooding of up to 2.5 m in the coastal districts. Cyclonic storm Asna developed in August over the Arabian Sea, which is a rare occurrence – it has only happened three times since 1891. The storm's impact on Oman included rough wave heights ranging from 3 to 5 metres, it said. In 2024, the mean rainfall over most of the Asian summer monsoon region was above normal. Northeast Asia and South Asia were particularly impacted by the enhanced intensity of the East Asian summer monsoon and Indian summer monsoon, respectively.
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Business Standard
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Business Standard
Over 450 killed in India heatwaves in 2024, says WMO climate report
As Asia warms nearly twice as fast as the global average, fuelling more extreme weather and wreaking a heavy toll on the region's economies, ecosystems and societies, India lost more than 450 lives due to intense heatwaves in 2024, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). India, especially northern parts, witnessed temperatures rising to nearly 50°C last summer. The total death toll due to all other natural calamities, such as floods and lightning, last year was more than 2,000. Asia's average temperature in 2024 was about 1.04°C above the 1991–2020 average, ranking as the warmest or second warmest year on record, with widespread and prolonged heatwaves. The warming trend between 1991 and 2024 was almost double that during the 1961–1990 period, the WMO's State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report said on Monday. Asia, the continent with the largest land mass extending to the Arctic, is warming more than twice as fast as the global average because 'the temperature increase over land is larger than the temperature increase over the ocean,' the report said. The entire oceanic area of Asia has experienced surface ocean warming in recent decades, with particularly rapid rates of sea-surface temperature (SST) increase observed in the northern Arabian Sea and the Pacific Ocean portion of the region. The area-averaged time series indicates average SST warming at a rate of 0.24°C per decade, nearly double the global mean rate of 0.13°C per decade. The area-averaged SST for 2024 was the highest on record (1982–2024). Variations in SST alter the transfer of energy, momentum and gases between the ocean and the atmosphere. SSTs influence weather and climate patterns, such as extreme rainfall in Indonesia and India, the Asian summer monsoon, wildfire activity and sea-ice variability. During 2024, four named tropical cyclones formed over the north Indian Ocean. Three out of the four cyclones—Remal, Dana and Fengal—formed over the Bay of Bengal, and one—Asna—formed over the Arabian Sea. Severe cyclonic storm Remal made landfall near the Mongla and Khepupara coasts in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India, on May 26, 2024. In Bangladesh, the highest recorded wind speed was 111 km/h on May 27, and the storm surge, accompanied by extremely heavy rainfall, caused flooding of up to 2.5 m in the coastal districts. Cyclonic storm Asna developed in August over the Arabian Sea, a rare occurrence—it has happened only three times since 1891. The storm's impact on Oman included rough wave heights ranging from 3 to 5 m. In 2024, the mean rainfall over most of the Asian summer monsoon region was above normal. North-east Asia and South Asia were particularly impacted by the enhanced intensity of the East Asian summer monsoon and the Indian summer monsoon, respectively. The onset of the monsoon (June–September) in India was normal in 2024 at 108 per cent of its climatological normal for the 1971–2020 period. Numerous extreme precipitation events also took place last year, causing landslides, including one in Wayanad, northern Kerala, that killed over 350 people. In the case of lightning, it claimed around 1,300 lives in various parts of the country. One particularly deadly lightning event killed 72 people on July 10 in northern India, affecting Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Jharkhand.
Indian Express
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
Rapid warming, extreme weather hit Asia hard in 2024, killing thousands and impacting economies: report
With its average temperature 1.04 degree Celsius above the last 30-year average, 2024 ranked as Asia's warmest to second warmest year on record, owing to different dataset interpretations, and its warming was nearly twice as fast as the global average, said a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The impacts of this high rate of warming in 2024 manifested through a range of extreme weather events, such as 29 tropical cyclones, prolonged and intense heat waves, and extreme rainfall events, that together killed thousands. These weather events also caused substantial losses to local communities and economies at large. 'The warming trend between 1991-2024 was almost double of that during the 1961-1990 period,' said the State of Climate in Asia 2024 report. The report is prepared by WMO in collaboration with regional and international meteorological organisations. 'Extreme weather is already exacting an unacceptably high toll,' said Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, WMO. She added that the report highlights how changes in key climate indicators such as surface temperature, glacier mass and sea level will have major repercussions for societies, economies and ecosystems in the region. The surface temperatures were warmer than average for almost the entire region, the WMO report said, and they were particularly above average from western China to Japan, over the Indochina Peninsula, the Middle East and central northern Siberia. Japan, for instance, experienced its warmest year on record, exceeding the previous record set in 2023. The region was hit by intense land heat waves as well as marine heat waves. East Asia saw prolonged heatwaves from April to November, and monthly average temperature records were shattered in Japan, the Republic of Korea and China. In India, extreme heatwaves caused over 450 deaths across the country, the report said. India also saw deadly lightning events, killing about 1,300 people across the country. Among tropical cyclones, Yagi was the strongest and deadliest in 2024. It impacted the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, and according to estimates, the damages ran into billions of dollars. The northern Indian Ocean, which is adjacent to Japan and the Yellow and East China seas, faced particularly severe or extreme intensity of marine heatwaves. In terms of its extent, marine heatwaves created a record in 2024, impacting an area of nearly 15 million square kilometres. While four tropical cyclones – Remal, Fengal, Dana – made landfall in the Indian sub-continent and killed about 90 people, Cyclone Asna, originating from the Arabian Sea, caused flooding in Gujarat and killed about 50 people. In terms of rainfall, above normal rain was observed in the Arabian desert, Balochistan, parts of Myanmar, certain islands in Japan and even in the Siberian plains. Very heavy rainfall affected western Asia in mid-April, with daily rainfall in some areas exceeding the long-term annual average rainfall. The Dubai airport received 162.88 mm in 36 hours on 15 and 16 April, including 142 mm on April 16. Meanwhile, Pakistan recorded its wettest April, and India witnessed the deadly rain-triggered landslide in Kerala's Wayanad district. Over 500 mm of rainfall in 48 hours was said to be one of the chief causes of the disaster, which killed over 350 people. Glaciers continued to lose mass, as per the report, with 23 out of 24 glaciers in the High Mountain Asia region of central-south Asia spanning the Himalayas, Pamir mountains, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush. 'Reduced winter snowfall and extreme summer heat in the central Himalayas and most of the Tian Shan intensified mass loss for most glaciers. Notably, Urumqi Glacier No. 1, located in eastern Tian Shan, recorded its most negative mass balance since measurements began in 1959,' the report. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More
India Gazette
07-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi addresses International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025 via videoconferencing on Saturday. Addressing the gathering, he welcomed the participants to the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025, marking its first-ever hosting in Europe. He expressed gratitude to the President of France Emmanuel Macron and the Government of France for their support in organising the event. The Prime Minister also extended his best wishes for the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference. Highlighting the theme of the conference, 'Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions,' PM Modi underscored the vulnerability of coastal regions and islands to natural disasters and climate change. He cited recent disasters, including Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in South-east Asia, Hurricane Helene in the United States, Typhoon Usagi in the Philippines, and Cyclone Chido in parts of Africa. PM Modi emphasised that these disasters have caused significant damage to lives and property, reinforcing the need for resilient infrastructure and proactive disaster management. Recalling India's past experiences with devastating disasters, including the super-cyclone of 1999 and the tsunami of 2004, the Prime Minister emphasised how India adapted and rebuilt with resilience, constructing cyclone shelters across vulnerable areas and contributing to the establishment of a tsunami warning system benefiting 29 countries. Underlining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure's (CDRI) ongoing work with 25 Small Island Developing States to build resilient homes, hospitals, schools, energy systems, water security measures, and early warning systems, PM Modi expressed his appreciation for the presence of representatives from the Pacific Indian Ocean, and Caribbean regions, and welcomed the African Union's participation in the coalition. Drawing attention to key global priorities, the Prime Minister outlined five key topics. First, the importance of integrating disaster resilience courses, modules, and skill development programs into higher education to build a skilled workforce equipped to tackle future challenges. Second, he stressed the need for a global digital repository to document best practices and learnings from countries that have faced disasters and rebuilt with resilience. PM Modi underscored that disaster resilience requires innovative financing and called for the creation of actionable programs to ensure developing nations have access to necessary funds as the third priority. Fourthly, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India's recognition of Small Island Developing States as Large Ocean Countries and emphasised the need for special attention to their vulnerabilities. Mentioning the fifth priority, PM Modi highlighted the necessity of strengthening early warning systems and coordination, noting their critical role in facilitating timely decision-making and effective last-mile communication. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that discussions at the conference would address these essential aspects. Prime Minister called for the construction of infrastructure that remains steadfast against time and tide, emphasising the need for resilience in development. He concluded by urging global efforts to build a strong and disaster-resilient future for the world. (ANI)
