New research indicates that there is an increasing prevalence of flash droughts globally, and they are developing at a faster rate, with a significant contribution from human-induced climate change.

The study reveals that flash droughts are more frequent in regions with tropical climates, such as India, Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Amazon basin, compared to more gradual droughts. In these areas, the presence of regular rainy seasons typically maintains soil moisture and sustains plant life. However, if there is a sudden absence of rainfall, the intense tropical heat can rapidly lead to severe soil dehydration.

According to a recent assessment by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Asia stands as the most disaster-prone region globally, with an anticipated 81 weather, climate, and water-related disasters in 2022. The research suggests that these disasters directly affected over 50 million individuals, resulting in approximately 5,000 casualties and economic losses totaling $36 billion.

This increase in temperatures has had serious consequences, including a surge in the frequency of extreme weather events

Examples:

• Based on Karnataka's official records, the state has experienced drought conditions in 16 out of the 23 years since 2001.

• This year's drought in Karnataka is notably the most severe, leading to the declaration of drought in 195 taluks, including those within the Bengaluru Urban district. The primary cause is the inadequate South West (SW) monsoon.

• The Amazon rainforest is currently grappling with an exceptionally severe drought. Many rivers critical for transportation have completely dried up, resulting in a severe scarcity of water, food, and medical supplies in the villages inhabited by Indigenous communities within the region.

• The Amazon rainforest, covering an expansive area of nearly seven million square kilometers, equivalent to the size of Australia, serves as a repository for more than 150 billion metric tonnes of carbon.