India’s severe monsoon season causes more than 100 deaths since July

Severe monsoon rains have triggered widespread flooding and landslides across India, resulting in more than 100 deaths since July according to official data, with thousands displaced from their homes. The annual monsoon season, while essential for agricultural productivity, has become increasingly destructive due to climate change and disrupted weather patterns. Assam has been the hardest-hit state, recording at least 87 deaths, with Sivasagar district alone accounting for 47 fatalities. Kerala has reported at least 15 deaths and seven missing persons following days of intense rainfall, with Chief Minister VD Satheesan noting that more than 10,000 people have sought shelter in over 300 relief camps throughout the state. Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir has experienced at least 31 deaths from intense rain bursts. Lightning strikes associated with thunderstorms have killed at least 14 people in Jharkhand, predominantly affecting farm workers caught in open fields. The state meteorological department noted that Jharkhand recorded more than 200 lightning-related deaths in 2025. The monsoon-related disaster pattern extends beyond India's borders. Sri Lanka has recorded at least eight deaths and 12,000 displaced persons from monsoon flooding, while simultaneously experiencing severe drought in eastern regions, forcing authorities to transport drinking water via tanker trucks. Sri Lanka's government has attributed the extreme weather to El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by weakened trade winds that push warm water eastward across the Pacific, significantly disrupting global weather systems and rainfall distribution.