Climate Disasters Intensify Amid Cuts to Preparedness Programmes
Climate Disasters Intensify Amid Cuts to Preparedness Programmes
IN · Published Sep 23, 2026
• South Asia, including India, is experiencing severe climate-related disasters such as cloudbursts, landslides, flash floods, and extreme rainfall.
• Over the past 15 years, these events have caused the death of over 12,000 people and billions of dollars in damage in the Indian Himalayas alone.

Impact & Risks

The termination of disaster preparedness programmes has increased risks for millions in South Asia, including India. Vulnerable communities face heightened threats from GLOFs, which can release millions of cubic metres of water and debris in hours. In India, over 130 high-altitude lakes are at risk of flooding. The economic impact is significant, with South Asia suffering losses of at least $7 billion in 2025 due to extreme weather events. The lack of funding for cross-border collaboration and monitoring further exacerbates the situation, leaving critical regions unprepared for future disasters.

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