A new international climate analysis has placed India among the top ten countries most affected by extreme weather events over the last three decades. The report highlights how climate-related disasters such as floods, cyclones, droughts, and record-breaking heatwaves have intensified across the subcontinent, impacting millions of lives and causing significant economic losses.

According to the study, which analyzed data from 1995 to 2025, India ranks high on the global vulnerability scale due to its vast population, diverse geography, and heavy dependence on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. The findings reveal that extreme weather events in India have become more frequent, longer-lasting, and more severe, with climate variability now emerging as a top national security concern.

Experts say the country has faced an alarming increase in heatwaves, flash floods, and erratic monsoon patterns, affecting both rural livelihoods and urban infrastructure. Major events such as the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, Cyclone Amphan (2020), the 2022 Assam floods, and the 2024 northern heatwave are cited among the most devastating examples of recent climate-related disasters. Each of these incidents caused large-scale displacement, loss of lives, and damages running into billions of rupees.

The analysis, conducted by a consortium of climate researchers and environmental economists, compared 200 countries using indicators such as human fatalities, economic losses, and number of extreme weather events. India’s inclusion in the top 10 underscores the urgency of enhancing climate resilience through stronger adaptation and mitigation policies.

Dr. Radhika Menon, a senior climatologist involved in the study, noted that “India’s exposure to multiple climate hazards makes it uniquely vulnerable. Rapid urbanization, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructure amplify the damage caused by extreme weather.” She added that although India has made progress through programs like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Climate Missions, challenges remain in implementation and long-term sustainability.

In recent years, the government has ramped up efforts to improve early warning systems, expand renewable energy, and promote climate-resilient agriculture. However, experts warn that the pace of adaptation still lags behind the speed of climate change. The report emphasizes the need for community-led resilience planning, investment in green infrastructure, and better coordination between national and state agencies to handle extreme weather emergencies effectively.

Globally, countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines, Mozambique, and Haiti also appear in the top ten list, highlighting that developing nations continue to bear the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.

The analysis concludes that unless immediate steps are taken to cut emissions and improve adaptive capacity, South Asia could face irreversible environmental and economic consequences within the next decade. India’s inclusion in the top tier of climate-affected nations serves as a wake-up call — reinforcing the need for robust climate action, sustainable urban planning, and international cooperation to safeguard the future of millions living on the frontlines of climate change.