Despite countless climate conferences and pledges of ‘green funds,’ climate change continues to impact South Asia in 2024 severely. The region faced significant environmental and socio-economic disruptions, primarily due to rising temperatures, floods, and storms.

Heatwaves were particularly intense. India and Bangladesh experienced record-breaking temperatures, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, causing school closures, health risks, and increased energy demand. In India, heatwaves even affected voter turnout during national elections. Vulnerable communities, including those in refugee camps, faced worsening conditions due to the heat.

Flooding was another major issue. In Pakistan, India, and Nepal, severe floods damaged infrastructure and displaced populations. Below is a recap of key events that so far highlight the devastating impact across the region.

Afghanistan: Catastrophic floods struck on May 10-11, 2024, particularly in Baghlan, Takhar, and Badakhshan provinces. Over 300 people died, with thousands of homes damaged or destroyed.