Top 10 Nations on the Frontlines of Floods in 2023

By Vivek Saini 

As the year 2023 unfolded, a relentless wave of floods left a trail of destruction, displacing millions and leaving behind a staggering economic toll running into billions. This ominous saga not only tested the resilience of nations but also served as a stark reminder of the intensifying impact of climate change on our planet. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the plight of the ten countries on the frontline of this deluge catastrophe, shedding light on the profound challenges they faced and the urgent need for global attention to address the escalating threats posed by extreme weather events.

1. India 

In 2023, India experienced a tumultuous year marked by a vivid reminder of nature’s formidable power. The nation grappled with a series of catastrophic natural disasters that not only tested its resilience but also emphasized the pressing necessity for climate action. In the initial week of the year, at an elevation of 6,000 feet in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, houses in Joshimath developed cracks due to land subsidence. This Himalayan ecosystem, a vital transit point to pilgrimage sites, is, according to experts, grappling with the consequences of unchecked development and a surge in unregulated tourism.

Simultaneously, the water level of the Yamuna surged to a 45-year high, causing the swollen river to flood low-lying areas and streets in Delhi in July. This inundation disrupted daily life in the capital city. Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, heavy rains induced landslides in several districts, causing the loss of over 70 lives in August. In October, a cloudburst in the glacial South Lhonak Lake of North Sikkim led to a flash flood in Teesta. The mighty river claimed the lives of at least 42 people, displacing thousands and submerging villages and towns. 

In November, Chennai faced floods triggered by cyclone Michaung, resulting in a standstill for the city and leaving residents helpless, with communication networks severely disrupted. These incidents serve as poignant reminders of the diverse and severe impacts of natural disasters across different regions of India throughout the year.

2. Pakistan 

In August 2023, prolonged monsoon precipitation inundated farmlands and hundreds of villages along the Sutlej River, impacting Pakistan and India. Despite Punjab in India receiving average rainfall since June, regions to the north, including Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, experienced excessive precipitation. Between June 1 and August 25, over 200,000 evacuations occurred in Pakistan, with numerous villages submerged since the monsoon season’s onset in late June, according to ReliefWeb.

In August, the Ganda Singh Wala village gauging station, located 7 kilometers west of Firozpur, reported “exceptionally high” water levels, as noted by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Pakistan, contending with the highest river levels in 35 years, faced severe consequences, with over 200 fatalities in rain-related incidents since late June, as reported by the National Disaster Management Authority. This calamity unfolded against the backdrop of the lingering aftermath of extreme monsoon rains in 2022, which inundated nearly one-third of Pakistan and claimed over a thousand lives. 

3. Bangladesh 

The South Asian monsoon season began with devastating consequences, particularly impacting low-lying areas in Bangladesh, Meghalaya, and Assam. Unpredictable and intense rains triggered unprecedented floods, claiming lives and displacing millions. About 80% of Sylhet and Sunamganj districts in Bangladesh are reportedly submerged, with the situation expected to worsen.

Scientists attribute the early and intense rains to climate change, evident in a 0.5C temperature increase in Bangladesh since 1976 and shifting monsoon patterns. Bangladesh, highly vulnerable to climate change, faces an annual risk of river flooding for about 3.5 million people. The UN warns that if current warming trends persist, approximately 17% of Bangladesh’s population may need relocation in the next decade. These alarming realities emphasize the urgent need for global action to address climate change and protect vulnerable communities.

4. South Sudan 

South Sudan is grappling with four consecutive years of unprecedented flooding, a dire consequence of climate change. Bentiu, a northern city, is particularly affected, with two-thirds of the country submerged. Hundreds of thousands of people in Bentiu are at risk, relying on earthen dykes that demand constant monitoring to avert a potentially catastrophic breach.

This flooding crisis in Bentiu mirrors a more significant disaster in South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation and one of the most vulnerable to climate change. The country faces ongoing challenges as climate-related events intensify, underscoring the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation measures to protect its population.

5. Nigeria

Annual deadly flooding in Nigeria, mainly stemming from neglected environmental guidelines and insufficient infrastructure, took a particularly devastating toll last year. Hefty rainfall, combined with the release of excess water from a dam in neighboring Cameroon, led to record fatalities and the destruction of over 340,000 hectares (about 840,158 acres) of land across 33 of Nigeria’s 36 states and in the capital city.

6. Madagascar

In January 2023, a slow-moving storm inundated northwestern Madagascar with rain, causing flash flooding and landslides. Initially Tropical Storm Cheneso, it later intensified into a tropical cyclone, claiming the lives of dozens and forcing tens of thousands from their homes. This marked the first cyclone of the 2022–2023 season in the southwest Indian Ocean, spanning from late October to May.

Madagascar experienced multiple destructive storms during the previous season, particularly in January and February. In recent years, both Madagascar and Mozambique have faced recurrent battering from severe storms and cyclones, destroying homes, infrastructure, and crops, along with large-scale displacement of populations.

7. Democratic Republic of Congo 

In May 2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo faced a severe flood crisis, claiming over 400 lives, rendering thousands homeless and inflicting widespread devastation. Intense rainfall led to fatal landslides and floods in the eastern part of the country, particularly in the Kalehe region of South Kivu province. The heavy rain caused rivers to overflow, triggering landslides that engulfed the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi. This calamity displaced over 100,000 people, exacerbating existing humanitarian crises in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

8. Mozambique 

In February 2023, Mozambique confronted a severe flooding episode, a result of intense rainfall and the double impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy. The latest figures reported in March indicated that 9,892 individuals were displaced, with ten casualties reported. Additionally, nearly 1,637 houses were destroyed across provinces, including Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala, Manica, Tete, and Niassa.

9. Chad 

Since early August, unprecedented torrential rains in Chad have caused significant damage to houses, vital infrastructure, and agricultural land in the capital, N’Djamena, and surrounding provinces. The floods have exposed communities to a heightened risk of water-borne diseases, particularly cholera, due to inadequate hygiene and sanitation in displaced areas.

On August 11, 2023, the protective dike along the Logone River broke on the Chad side, resulting in extensive flooding in the border area with Cameroon. Villages along the dike, including Makarova, Mirbidim, Mala, and Pit-Arrey, were submerged entirely, rendering the region uninhabitable as fields, houses, and livestock were destroyed.

10. Somalia 

Emerging from a recent drought that brought millions to the brink of famine, Somalia, like other Horn of Africa nations, is grappling with torrential rains and flash floods, killing over 100 people in November 2023. In response to the flood disaster affecting around 700,000 people, the government declared a state of emergency in November. Entire neighborhoods and farmland have been submerged and bridges destroyed, compelling displaced individuals to seek refuge.

The Horn of Africa is one of the regions most susceptible to climate change, experiencing a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This recurrent cycle of climatic challenges severely threatens the resilience and well-being of communities in the region.

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