2020 South Asian floods

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2020 South Asian floods
Map of South Asia
DateMay - October 2020
LocationAfghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
CauseHeavy monsoon rains
Deaths6,511
Property damage$105 billion USD[1][2]

In 2020, floods have affected South Asia due to heavy monsoon rains. The floods caused $105 billion USD of damage ($88.5 billion in India,[1] $15 billion in Sri Lanka,[2] and $1.5 billion in Pakistan[2]), making it the costliest standalone flood in modern history, and the ninth costliest disaster of all time. In addition there were 6,511 fatalities, the most reported in a flood since Cyclone Sidr in 2007. Floods continued in 2021 and 2022.

Impact[edit]

Afghanistan[edit]

In April, floods killed at least 11 people and damaged around 700 houses.[3] Between July and August, floods had affected around half of Afghanistan, killing 190 people and damaged around 2,000 homes.[2][4]

Bangladesh[edit]

In May, Cyclone Amphan caused 20 deaths in Bangladesh.[5] In July, floods struck again, affecting 3.3 million people, and killing 260 more people.[2][6][7]

India[edit]

Cyclone Amphan killed at least 86 people in West Bengal, India.[8] From July to October, over 5,000 people died in flooding.[1][2][9]

Nepal[edit]

From June to September, floods in Nepal killed at least 401 people.[2] The Kathmandu Post reported that the floods were some of the worst in the country’s history.[10]

Pakistan[edit]

At least 410 people died in floods in Pakistan. Over 310,000 homes were damaged by flood water, causing $1.5 billion USD of damage.[2]

Sri Lanka[edit]

At least 133 people have died when floods damaged 3 million homes and caused $15 billion USD in damages.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Weather and climate extremes in India killed thousands, displaced millions and cost billions in 2020". World Meteorological Organization. 26 October 2021. Archived from the original on December 18, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Global Catastrophe Recap December 2020" (PDF). Aon Benfield Analytics. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  3. ^ Richard Davies. "Afghanistan – Flash Floods Leave 11 Dead, Homes Destroyed".
  4. ^ Richard Davies. "Afghanistan – Flash Floods Death Toll Rises to 145".
  5. ^ Zaman, Tauhid; Jessore; Mostafa, Arif; Pirojpur; Sardar, Asaduzzaman; Satkhira; Nasim, Nazmul; Bogra; Dhar, Bijoy; Rangamati (21 May 2020). "Cyclone Amphan weakens as death toll rises to 20". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  6. ^ Richard Davies. "Bangladesh – 167,000 Families Still Displaced by Floods Says UN".
  7. ^ Richard Davies. "Bangladesh – Monsoon Floods Affect 3.3 Million".
  8. ^ "Mamata pegs cyclone Amphan damage at ₹1 lakh crore, toll rises to 86". The Hindu. THG Publishing. 23 May 2020. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
  9. ^ "India Floods - Situation report as of 18 August 2020" (PDF). ReliefWeb. 18 August 2020.
  10. ^ "Despite tackling disasters every monsoon, Nepal fails to learn from experience". The Kathmandu Post.