El Niño’s Monster Wave Sparks Global Alarm Over Extreme Weather, Food Security, and Economic Disruption

A massive 14,500‑km band of warm water, known as a Kelvin wave, is sweeping across the Pacific Ocean — a clear signal that El Niño has returned in 2026. NOAA has already declared El Niño, with a 63% chance it intensifies into a very strong event by winter, raising global concerns over extreme weather, food security, and economic disruption.

It is to be noted that this “monster wave” is not a literal tsunami but a massive ocean heat anomaly — a fingerprint of El Niño.

NASA’s official findings on El Niño 2026 are published through its Science Mission Directorate and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich satellite captured the 14,500 km Kelvin wave, confirming the onset of El Niño in June 2026.

What’s Happening

• Monster wave: Satellite data shows a warm water swell stretching 14,500 km across the equatorial Pacific.
• El Niño declared: NOAA confirmed El Niño conditions, with sea surface temperatures rising above normal thresholds.
• Kelvin waves: These eastward‑moving warm water waves precede El Niño events, pushing heat toward South America.
• Super El Niño risk: Scientists warn this could evolve into a “Godzilla El Niño,” fueled by overlapping marine heatwaves.

Global Impacts

NASA warns of wetter conditions in the U.S. Southwest, droughts in Indonesia and Australia, and ripple effects on food security and trade

• Asia (including India): Higher risk of droughts and heatwaves, stressing agriculture and water supply.
• South America: Heavy rainfall and flooding, especially in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.
• North America: Wetter winters in California, but possible hurricane intensification in the Atlantic.
• Africa: Severe droughts in the Horn of Africa, threatening food security.
• Global economy: Disruption of fisheries, shipping, and commodity markets due to altered ocean currents.

Quick Comparison: Past vs Current El Niño Events

Event	Scale	Impact
1997–98 El Niño	One of the strongest	Floods in Peru, droughts in Indonesia, $45B global losses
2015–16 El Niño	“Godzilla” El Niño	Coral bleaching, food price spikes, record global heat
2026 El Niño (current)	14,500‑km Kelvin wave	Risk of super El Niño, overlapping marine heatwaves

Risks & Challenges

• Agriculture: Crop yields in India, Southeast Asia, and Africa could drop due to drought.
• Marine ecosystems: Fisheries face collapse as warm waters disrupt plankton and fish migration.
• Health: Heatwaves and flooding increase risks of vector‑borne diseases.
• Economy: Commodity markets (coffee, rice, wheat) may see volatility.

What to Watch Next

• NOAA forecasts: Updated seasonal predictions on intensity.
• Global heat records: 2026 could rival 2016 as one of the hottest years ever.
• India monsoon impact: Critical for agriculture and water supply.

El Niño 2026 is already disrupting global markets, with analysts warning of food inflation, energy price spikes, and supply chain stress that could ripple across economies through 2027. India and Asia face drought‑driven crop losses, while commodity markets brace for volatility.

The global commodity market impacts of El Niño 2026 are shaping up as one of the most severe in decades.

El Niño 2026 is shaking global commodity markets — droughts in Asia and Australia are threatening rice, wheat, sugar, and palm oil supplies, while floods in the Americas could boost soybean output. Analysts warn of volatile prices, fertilizer cost spikes, and shipping disruptions that may ripple across economies through 2027.

Heat Waves as a Human Rights Concern: NHRC Calls for Ward‑Level Resilience and Climate‑Smart Cities

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has declared heat waves a pressing human rights issue, urging governments to integrate heat resilience into urban planning, worker protection, and ecosystem restoration. At its June 4, 2026 meeting in New Delhi, the Commission gathered experts, policymakers, and civil society leaders to deliberate on strategies for reducing heat‑related mortality and morbidity.

Human Rights Lens on Heat Stress

• Justice V. Ramasubramanian (Chairperson, NHRC): Emphasised that deforestation, wetland loss, and encroachment on water bodies are key drivers of heat stress. Called for strict regulation of construction near rivers and lakes and stronger enforcement of urban planning norms.
• Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi: Highlighted the need to balance urban expansion with environmental safeguards, ensuring green spaces for future generations.
• Shri Bharat Lal (Secretary General, NHRC): Warned that heat waves disproportionately affect construction workers, gig workers, elderly persons, pregnant women, and children, making resilience a matter of social justice.

Scientific and Institutional Perspectives

• Prof. N. H. Ravindranath (IISc): Advocated AI‑driven vulnerability mapping, ward‑level forecasting, and appointment of dedicated Heat Officers.
• India Meteorological Department (IMD): Projected above‑normal heat wave days in June 2026, stressing the importance of multi‑tier forecasting and direct advisories to vulnerable groups.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Reported that 23 states have Heat Action Plans, but urged stronger district‑level implementation and dedicated funding.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW): Warned of rising heat‑related health risks by 2035, calling for expanded surveillance, hospital preparedness, and medical training.

Urban and Policy Recommendations

• Ward‑level heat vulnerability maps using GIS, AI, and land surface temperature data.
• Institutionalisation of Heat Action Plans across states and cities, with governance dashboards and inter‑departmental coordination.
• Unified surveillance systems for heat‑related mortality and morbidity.
• Occupational heat‑safety standards and community cooling centres for vulnerable populations.
• Heat‑resilient urban design: Passive cooling, cool roofs, reflective materials, ventilation corridors.
• Nature‑based solutions: Urban forests, green corridors, wetland buffers, restoration of rivers and lakes.
• Sustainable water management: Rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, wastewater reuse.
• Public awareness campaigns with multilingual outreach, including voice alerts for digitally excluded groups.
• Integration into city master plans and budgets, backed by dedicated funding and institutional support.

Expert Voices

• Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan: Showcased as a pioneering model, reducing heat‑related deaths through early warning systems, cool roofs, shaded spaces, and worker protection.
• Dr. Promode Kant (AIWC): Suggested reflective roofs, transplantation of larger plants, and shade expansion around schools.
• Dr. Prerna Joshi (NIDM): Called for legal enforcement of worker protections and decentralised green spaces.
• Patricia Mukhim (Shillong Times): Warned of weak enforcement of environmental laws in the North‑East, stressing protection of rivers and forests.
• Dr. Shalini Dhyani (CSIR‑NEERI): Advocated ecosystem‑based urban planning and equitable distribution of green spaces.

Conclusion

The NHRC’s deliberations underline that heat resilience is not just an environmental challenge but a human rights imperative. The Commission will refine these recommendations before submitting them to the Centre and state governments, aiming to mainstream heat resilience into India’s urban and climate governance.

Mission Mausam: Making Bharat Weather-Ready and Climate-Smart

India’s tropical weather is notoriously complex, with sudden cloudbursts, lightning storms, and localized droughts often catching communities off guard. As climate change intensifies, the challenge of predicting these events has grown sharper. To address this, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has launched Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore national initiative approved by the Union Cabinet to transform India’s weather and climate forecasting capabilities between 2024–2026.

Why Mission Mausam Matters

• Forecast accuracy has improved 40–50% in the past decade.
• Current models operate at 12 km resolution, limiting small-scale forecasts.
• Mission Mausam will reduce resolution to 6 km for Panchayat-level predictions.
• Goal: Make Bharat a Weather-ready and Climate-smart nation.

Key Objectives

• Deploy next-generation radars and satellites.
• Establish high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
• Use AI/ML tools to enhance prediction accuracy.
• Develop earth system models for atmosphere, ocean, and polar regions.
• Create last-mile dissemination systems via apps, websites, and social media.
• Foster academia-industry partnerships and incubation centres.

Strategy in Action

Initiative	Details
Weather Infrastructure	50 Doppler Radars, 60 RS/RW, 100 disdrometers, 25 radiometers
Testbeds	Urban and process testbeds for cloud and land studies
Forecasting	AI-driven nowcast systems with hourly updates
Weather Modification	Cloud seeding experiments using drones and aircraft
Air Quality	New monitoring instruments for smart cities
Decision Support	Automated DSS for disaster management authorities

Who Benefits

• Farmers: Precise rainfall forecasts for crop planning.
• Civil aviation and transport: Improved storm tracking.
• Smart cities and health services: Enhanced air quality predictions.
• Defence and disaster management: Real-time decision support.
• Energy, shipping, tourism, and urban planning sectors gain resilience.

Implementation Network

• IMD: Observations, services, dissemination.
• IITM: Field campaigns, modeling, testbeds.
• NCMRWF: Data assimilation and seamless prediction.
• Support: INCOIS, NIOT, NCPOR, CWC, GSI, DGRE, academia, industry.

Expected Outcomes

• No weather system goes undetected.
• Hourly nowcasts instead of every 3 hours.
• Forecast accuracy improved by 5–10%.
• Panchayat-level forecasts at 5–6 km resolution.
• Enhanced air quality forecasts for smart cities.
• Weather interventions: fog dispersal, hail suppression, rain enhancement.
• India positioned as a leader in impact-based forecasting for the Global South.

Conclusion

Mission Mausam is more than a weather project—it is a national resilience strategy. By combining advanced technology, AI-driven models, and grassroots-level dissemination, India is preparing to face the twin challenges of climate change and extreme weather. The mission promises to make Bharat not just weather-aware, but truly weather-ready and climate-smart.

India’s Coastlines Are Sinking—Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam Most Exposed

A new University of Rhode Island (URI) study has revealed that India’s coastline is sinking at alarming rates, with some areas subsiding up to 44 mm per year. This widespread coastal subsidence, combined with sea-level rise, threatens millions of residents in low-lying regions, especially across the east coast deltas.

Key Findings from the URI Study

• Scope of study: First comprehensive satellite-based assessment of vertical land motion along India’s 7,500 km coastline.
• Data source: 8 years of Sentinel-1 radar satellite observations (2016–2024).
• Subsidence hotspots: Five major east coast deltas (including Ganga-Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery) and urban centers such as Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam.
• Rates of subsidence: Maximum recorded: 44 mm/year in localized hotspots; widespread areas: 5–20 mm/year.
• Population at risk: 8.5 million people currently live in zones subsiding faster than 5 mm/year.
• Overall exposure: Over 200 million people reside within 100 km of India’s coastline, making them vulnerable to combined effects of sinking land and rising seas.

Impact Overview

Factor	Details	Risk Level
Subsidence rate	Up to 44 mm/year	Severe in hotspots
Affected regions	East coast deltas, major coastal cities	High
Population exposed	8.5 million in high-subsidence zones	Critical
Flood risk	Increased due to combined sea-level rise + sinking land	Extreme
Infrastructure	Ports, housing, agriculture, and transport corridors	Vulnerable

Risks & Challenges

• Flooding: Low-lying areas face accelerated flood risks as subsidence compounds sea-level rise.
• Agriculture: Delta regions risk salinization and reduced productivity.
• Urban infrastructure: Cities like Chennai and Kolkata may see damage to roads, housing, and drainage systems.
• Resilience planning: Current coastal protection strategies may underestimate risks without factoring subsidence.

What Needs to Be Done

• Enhanced monitoring: Expand satellite-based land motion tracking across all coastal states.
• Urban planning: Integrate subsidence data into zoning, construction codes, and flood defenses.
• Community adaptation: Relocation or elevation of vulnerable settlements in high-risk zones.
• Policy action: Governments must update coastal resilience frameworks to include subsidence.
• Global relevance: India’s findings highlight the need for similar assessments worldwide.

To summarize, India’s coastal vulnerability is not just about rising seas—it’s also about sinking land. The URI-led study underscores the urgent need for integrated resilience planning to protect millions living along the country’s shores.

World’s First Category 5 Cyclone of 2026 Emerges in Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean has witnessed a dramatic weather event: Tropical Cyclone Horacio has exploded into a Category 5 storm, the most powerful classification for tropical cyclones. With sustained winds exceeding 252 km/h (157 mph), Horacio is now the strongest storm on Earth in 2026.

A Category 5 storm is the highest and most destructive classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, defined by sustained winds of 157 mph (252 km/h) or higher. These storms cause catastrophic damage, often rendering affected areas uninhabitable for weeks or months

What Happened

• Horacio intensified at an unprecedented pace, leaping from about 104 km/h to 257 km/h in just 24 hours.
• Its central pressure dropped sharply from 963 mb to 930 mb, a hallmark of explosive strengthening.
• Satellite images reveal a well-defined eye, confirming its Category 5 status.

Where It Is

• The cyclone is currently swirling over the South Indian Ocean, south of Madagascar.
• India is not in its direct path, but meteorologists are tracking its movements closely.
• For now, no immediate landfall threat exists, though nearby island nations could face dangerous seas and weather.

Why It Matters

• First Category 5 cyclone of 2026: Horacio sets the tone for what could be an active storm year.
• Climate connection: Warmer ocean waters, linked to climate change, are believed to be fueling such rapid intensification.
• Global concern: Scientists warn that extreme storms like Horacio may become more frequent as oceans continue to heat up.

The Bigger Picture

Cyclone Horacio is more than just a weather event—it’s a wake-up call. Its explosive growth highlights how climate change is reshaping storm behavior, making them stronger and faster to intensify. While Horacio may stay out at sea, its sheer power underscores the importance of preparedness for coastal nations and continued research into how warming oceans drive extreme weather.

Performance-Based Environmental Governance: Andhra Pradesh Introduces Recognition-Linked Incentives for GreenCo and IGBC Projects

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board introduced a structured incentive framework to encourage industry participation in the GreenCo Rating System. Under this mechanism, units holding valid GreenCo ratings became eligible for a one-year extension of Consent to Operate (CTO), subject to the absence of reported noncompliance during the consent period. GreenCo-rated units were also accorded formal recognition through annual State-level awards, while products manufactured by such units were positioned to receive preference in State Government tendering processes, in line with applicable procurement policies. Additionally, rated companies were provided enhanced visibility through exclusive mentions on the official websites of APPCB and CII GreenCo, highlighting their sustainability achievements and environmental performance.

Under the APPCB–IGBC facilitation framework, building projects in Andhra Pradesh pursuing or achieving IGBC certification were made eligible for a range of incentives, including streamlined and fast-tracked processing of Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO), prioritized regulatory clearances to minimize procedural delays, and a one-year extension of CTO for eligible IGBC-certified Hotels, Hospitals (Red Category), and large Township/Area Development projects. In addition, certified projects received formal recognition and enhanced visibility through APPCB platforms, reinforcing a performance-linked regulatory approach that rewards sustainable building practices.

At the APPCB–CII Andhra Pradesh Conference on “Circular Economy & Green Industry: Strategies for Sustainable Growth and Resource Efficiency” held in Visakhapatnam, the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) announced a structured set of recognition-based incentives and regulatory facilitation measures to encourage industries to participate in the GreenCo Rating System. The initiative marked a strategic shift toward performance-driven environmental governance, aimed at rewarding industries that demonstrate measurable improvements in resource efficiency and sustainability.

Addressing the gathering, Dr P Krishnaiah, I.A.S (Retd.), Chairman, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, outlined the Board’s intent to differentiate and incentivize environmentally responsible industries. “APPCB is committed to moving beyond a compliance-only framework toward a performance-driven regulatory model. Industries that achieve GreenCo ratings and demonstrate measurable excellence in energy efficiency, water stewardship, waste reduction, and circular practices will receive recognition-based incentives and regulatory facilitation from the Board.” He further stated “Our objective is to create a positive reinforcement mechanism where environmental leadership is acknowledged and supported. By linking GreenCo performance with facilitative measures, we aim to encourage industries to voluntarily exceed statutory requirements and embed sustainability into core operations.”

The incentive framework announced by APPCB included regulatory facilitation for higher-rated GreenCo industries, enhanced visibility and formal recognition, and structured engagement mechanisms to promote best practice replication across industrial clusters. The measures were designed to reduce procedural uncertainties, reward transparent environmental performance, and foster healthy competition among industries.

Speaking on the broader sanitation and circularity agenda, Sri Pattabhi Ram, Chairman, Swachh Andhra Corporation, emphasized the importance of industrial participation in resource circularity. “Circular economy cannot be achieved without active industry participation. Incentivizing industries through credible rating systems such as GreenCo strengthens accountability and drives measurable impact in waste reduction, recycling, and material recovery. Recognition-linked facilitation sends a strong signal that sustainability leadership will be institutionally supported.” He added, “When industries see tangible regulatory benefits tied to environmental performance, sustainability transitions from being a cost centre to becoming a strategic advantage.”

Highlighting the technical robustness of the framework, Sri N Muthusezhiyan, Deputy Executive Director, CII Green Business Centre, noted that the GreenCo Rating System provided a comprehensive metrics-based pathway for industries to improve across critical sustainability parameters. “GreenCo enables industries to benchmark and enhance performance across energy productivity, renewable energy adoption, water efficiency, waste management, material conservation, and green supply chains. APPCB’s incentive-linked approach creates a powerful multiplier effect by aligning regulatory facilitation with measurable sustainability outcomes.” He further observed, “Andhra Pradesh has set an important precedent by formally recognizing environmental performance as a criterion for regulatory engagement. This approach will accelerate the adoption of structured sustainability frameworks and position the State as a leader in performance-based environmental governance.The announcement underscored Andhra Pradesh’s intent to integrate circular economy principles into mainstream industrial regulation. By embedding incentives within a credible sustainability rating framework, APPCB reinforced its commitment to promoting resource-efficient, responsible, and globally competitive industries across the State.

Mumbai Climate Week Flags off Community-Led, Gender-Responsive Climate Planning as the Future of Local Climate Action

Mumbai Climate Week (MCW) today underscored the critical importance of community-led and gender-responsive climate action with the launch of a pioneering district-level climate planning initiative in Raigad, Maharashtra. The three-year pilot project aims to embed gender justice, indigenous knowledge, and grassroots leadership into climate governance, setting a replicable model for districts across the state and beyond.

The initiative was formally launched during the two-day national seminar, “Pathways to Gender-Responsive Local Climate Action and Justice: Localizing SDGs, Decolonizing Governance, Indigenizing Knowledge,” held as part of the 90th-year Navati celebrations of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). The seminar also served as a curtain-raiser to Mumbai Climate Week 2026, scheduled from February 17–19, 2026.

The project is being led by TISS in partnership with the Maharashtra State Climate Action Cell (SCAC), Asar Social Impact Advisors, Waatavaran Foundation, and the Policy & Development Advisory Group, with support from the University of Toronto India Foundation. Together, the partners highlighted the urgent need to localise climate action by centring communities most affected by climate change.

The Raigad Climate Action Planning initiative was inaugurated by Shri Abhijit Ghorpade, Director, State Climate Action Cell, and aims to strengthen district-, village-, and Panchayat-level climate planning processes in alignment with Maharashtra’s SAPCC 2.0.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Shishir Joshi, Founder, Mumbai Climate Week, said: “Climate action in India cannot succeed if it remains confined to policy rooms and global summits. Real solutions will emerge from districts, villages, and communities—especially from women and indigenous groups who experience climate impacts first-hand. The Raigad initiative reflects the spirit of Mumbai Climate Week: localising climate action, democratising decision-making, and building models that are just, inclusive, and scalable.”

Echoing this emphasis on inclusion, Prof. M. Mariappan, Officiating Vice Chancellor, TISS, said: “Women play a critical role in building resilience and shaping adaptation efforts, often drawing on deep community knowledge and care practices. Climate action planning must therefore centre community voices while also addressing structural inequalities. TISS remains deeply committed to just and inclusive approaches to such planning.”

Mumbai Climate Week 2026 will continue to amplify such locally rooted climate solutions, creating a platform where policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and communities can collectively shape the next phase of India’s climate journey.

Climate change is not only an environmental challenge but also a social and economic one, disproportionately affecting women, tribal populations, and marginalised communities. By prioritising participatory planning, this initiative moves beyond top-down climate frameworks and reimagines governance through lived experiences and indigenous knowledge systems.

The seminar highlighted the need to integrate climate justice into development planning, ensuring that climate action plans are not only technically sound but also socially equitable.

Key Highlights of the Seminar:

• Launch of the Raigad Climate Action Planning Project: Training Village Development Committees and integrating SDGs into Panchayat Development Plans.
• Conference of Panchayats – COP of the Global South: A counter-narrative to global COPs, featuring Gram Sevaks and local leaders discussing decentralised climate governance.
• Documentary Screening: “Climate Resilience: Life as Told by Women” (58 mins), showcasing women-led climate adaptation practices in Kerala’s coastal regions.

About Mumbai Climate Week

Scheduled from February 17 to 19, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai Climate Week will be more than a three-day event. Its impact will be extended through preparatory activities before and synthesis efforts after the main conference, including workshops, case studies, films, testimonials, and follow-up reports. By mobilizing India’s vibrant network of climate-focused organizations and movements, it will highlight the nation’s pioneering efforts in climate action while charting a bold path forward. Conceptualised & initiated by Project Mumbai, a citizen-driven non-profit founded in 2018, and, in partnership with Government of Maharashtra’s Department of Environment and Climate Change, and supported by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, MCW reflects the vision of a dynamic megacity from the Global South stepping into a role of global climate leadership. 

About Project Mumbai:

Project Mumbai, founded in 2018 by a former renowned journalist and social entrepreneur Shishir Joshi, is a pioneering not-for-profit initiative that works as a trusted bridge between citizens, government, and private institutions to co-create solutions for the city’s most pressing challenges. With a focus on participatory governance, community engagement, and public service, Project Mumbai has consistently mobilized people and partnerships to deliver impact at scale—from mental health initiatives and waste management drives to urban mobility solutions and disaster relief. Its citizen-centric model has earned recognition nationally. 

About TISS:

Celebrating 90 years of academic excellence, TISS continues to uphold its role in engaging with contemporary discourses on justice and marginalization, partnering with government institutions to drive social change.

Delhi's First Cloud Seeding Set for October 29

Silver Iodide flares on cloud seeding Airplane | Silver Iodide in zoomed circle (Image - SciencePhotos.com)

In a historic move to combat post-Diwali pollution, Delhi is preparing for its first-ever artificial rain through cloud seeding on October 29, 2025. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has called the initiative a "necessity" to address the city's severe air quality crisis.

So, let me take you inside the unfolding story of Delhi’s first-ever cloud seeding operation—a tale of science, urgency, and air.

As the smog of Diwali settles over the city, a new kind of aircraft prepares for takeoff—not to ferry passengers, but to summon rain from the sky. On October 29, 2025, Delhi will attempt something unprecedented: artificial rain to cleanse its air.

The mission begins with a flare. Mounted on the wings of a specially equipped plane, these flares contain silver iodide, a compound known to mimic ice crystals. As the aircraft ascends into the humid layers above Delhi, the flares ignite, releasing particles into the clouds. If the conditions are right—if the clouds are thick and the humidity high—these particles will coax water droplets to form, grow, and fall as rain.

But this isn’t just chemistry. It’s choreography.

Teams from IIT Kanpur, armed with real-time meteorological data, monitor every movement. They track cloud density, wind patterns, and moisture levels, waiting for the perfect moment. A trial run in Burari offered lessons: the humidity was too low, the clouds too thin. Still, the scientists remain undeterred. The window between October 28 and 30 holds promise.

This isn’t the first time cloud seeding has been used—but it is the first time Delhi deploys it not for drought relief, but to fight pollution. The stakes are high. PM2.5 levels have surged to their worst since January. Even a light drizzle could settle the dust, clear the air, and offer millions a breath of relief.

So as the city holds its breath, the skies may soon respond—with a rain not born of nature, but summoned by science.

What Is Cloud Seeding?

• Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that involves dispersing substances like silver iodide into clouds to stimulate rainfall.
• The goal in Delhi is to use this method to wash away smog and particulate matter, especially after Diwali when pollution levels spike.

Trial and Execution

• A trial run was conducted in Burari, where flares containing rain-inducing chemicals were released from an aircraft.
• Although the trial didn’t produce rain due to low humidity, officials remain optimistic about the full-scale operation.
• The project is being supervised by IIT Kanpur, with the full operation expected between October 28–30.

Kudos to @IITKanpur for this massive success!

After 6 years of research & efforts, IIT Kanpur researchers have successfully tested artificial rain or cloud-seeding technology.

My heartiest congratulations to them and best wishes to the entire team! pic.twitter.com/hIXucjWe2C

— Zubin Ashara (@zubinashara) July 3, 2023

Why It Matters

• Delhi’s PM2.5 levels have surged to their highest since January, prompting urgent action.
• Even mild showers from cloud seeding could significantly reduce airborne pollutants and offer temporary relief.

Himalayan Havoc: Cloudbursts Surge as Climate Change Redraws Monsoon Maps

The Himalayan region is facing an alarming surge in cloudbursts and flash floods, and climate change is a key driver behind this intensifying crisis. Here's a breakdown of the situation and how forecasting can evolve to meet the challenge:

Cloudbursts & Floods: What’s Happening?

• Definition: A cloudburst is an extreme rainfall event—typically over 100 mm/hour—within a small area, often triggering flash floods and landslides.
• Recent Incidents:
  • Kishtwar, J&K (Aug 2025): Cloudburst killed 60+ people despite below-normal seasonal rainfall.
  • Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand (Aug 2025): Flash floods devastated villages like Dharali and Sukhi Top.
  • Kathua, J&K: Cloudbursts caused landslides and rail damage despite only 5% below-normal rainfall.

Climate Change: The Force Multiplier

• Rising Monsoon Intensity: Himalayan monsoon rainfall has increased by 10–15% over the past 30 years.
• Warmer Atmosphere: Each 1°C rise in temperature boosts moisture capacity by ~7%, fueling more intense rain events.
• Unstable Slopes & Glacial Lakes: Deforestation and melting glaciers amplify flood risks downstream.

Forecasting & Preparedness: What’s Missing?

Technology	Global Use	India’s Status
Doppler Radars	Japan uses for flash flood alerts	Limited coverage in Himalayan corridors
AI-Based Alerts	Italy applies for landslides	Not yet scaled in India’s pilgrimage zones
IoT Weather Stations	Swiss avalanche model	Proposed for hyper-local alerts
Glacial Lake Monitoring	Bhutan’s GLOF system	Could be replicated in India

What Needs to Be Done?

Infrastructure & Policy

• Early Warning Systems: Automated gauges, Doppler radars, and AI alarms in high-risk zones.
• Safety Audits: Review hillside construction and pilgrimage shelters.
• Climate-Resilient Design: Re-engineer routes with drainage, zoning controls, and sturdy shelters.

Governance & Community

• Unified Forecast Grid: Connect IoT stations to AI models for real-time alerts.
• Local Training: Empower Panchayats and NGOs for first response—like Kerala’s 2018 flood model.
• Tourism Accountability: Dedicate a share of pilgrimage revenue to disaster preparedness.

Forecasting Innovation: What’s Next?

• Integrate satellite data, machine learning, and terrain modeling.
• Develop hyper-local predictive systems tailored to valley-level dynamics.
• Use real-time citizen alerts via mobile networks and social media.

Drowning in Progress: How Climate Change Is Submerging the World’s Cities

In the heart of our cities—where ambition meets architecture and concrete replaces soil—an invisible crisis is rising. Not in decades. Not in years. But now.

From Seoul’s subway stations to the streets of Islamabad, urban flooding has become the most visible and violent symptom of a planet out of balance. Fueled by climate change, rapid urbanization, and outdated infrastructure, cities are no longer’re drowning.

The New Normal: Cities Under Siege

Vehicles drive through a flooded area in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 20, 2025. Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon of the year, made landfall near Jiangmen City in south China's Guangdong Province around 5:50 pm on Sunday, according to the Guangdong provincial meteorological observatory. Photo: Xinhua

In July 2025 alone, the world witnessed a cascade of urban flood disasters:

• South Korea: Torrential rain at 115 mm/hour overwhelmed drainage systems, killing 18 and displacing over 13,000.
• Pakistan: Monsoon rains intensified by 10–15% due to global warming led to over 300 deaths and $360,000 in livestock losses.
• China: Typhoon Wipha triggered flash floods and landslides, forcing mass evacuations.
• India: Landslides and infrastructure collapse swept through urban centers as monsoon rains battered the region.

These aren’t isolated events—they’re part of a global pattern.

The Data Speaks: Urban Flooding Is Accelerating

A recent study reveals a staggering 94% increase in urban flood extent from 1990 to 2021. The culprits?

• Climate Change: Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall.
• Urban Sprawl: Concrete jungles reduce natural absorption, turning cities into bathtubs.
• Outdated Infrastructure: Most drainage systems were never designed for this level of rainfall.

Even worse, global flood hazard maps often underestimate urban flood risk due to low-resolution data, leaving millions unprepared.

Climate Change: The Accelerant

According to World Weather Attribution, the monsoon floods in Pakistan were significantly worsened by climate change. Jakob Steiner, a leading climate scientist, warns:

Disasters we expected in 2050 are already happening in 2025.

This isn’t just about water—it’s about time. And we’re running out of it.

Why This Matters

Image - Juan Manuel Sanchez

Urban flooding isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a killer. It:

• Displaces families and destroys homes.
• Disrupts economies and supply chains.
• Spreads disease and contaminates water supplies.
• Deepens inequality, hitting the poorest hardest.

And yet, most cities remain woefully unprepared.

What Needs to Change

To survive the next decade, cities must:

• Upgrade Infrastructure: Build smart drainage systems and flood-resilient architecture.
• Improve Forecasting: Invest in real-time flood alerts and predictive modeling.
• Rethink Urban Design: Integrate green spaces, permeable surfaces, and water-sensitive planning.
• Global Collaboration: Share data, technology, and funding across borders.

Final Thought: The Flood Is a Mirror

Urban floods reflect more than climate—they reflect our choices. Our priorities. Our blind spots.

If cities are humanity’s greatest achievement, then protecting them must be our greatest responsibility.

Because when the streets flood, it’s not just water rising—it’s a warning.

Country	Event	Impact
Pakistan	Monsoon Floods (June–July 2025)	300+ deaths, 1,600 homes damaged, $360K livestock losses
South Korea	Record Rainfall (July 2025)	115 mm/hour rain, 18 deaths, 13,000 displaced
China	Typhoon Wipha (July 2025)	Flash flood alerts, landslides, mass evacuations
India	Monsoon Landslides (July 2025)	Infrastructure collapse, fatalities, widespread damage

Top Image - Dibakar Roy

When the Sky Whispers: The Science Behind Falling Clouds and the Magic Above

Recently, videos from different parts of the world—some even claiming to be from India—have shown a strange phenomenon: clouds seemingly falling from the sky. People watched in awe as fluffy, misty shapes appeared to descend to the ground like lost sky-wool. Some tried to hug them. Others just stared, baffled. Was the sky shedding its skin? Had someone finally plucked a piece of heaven?
Not quite.

The Illusion of Falling Clouds

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Many of these viral videos, first spotted in places like Indonesia, captured what appeared to be clouds hugging the earth. But experts were quick to weigh in: these weren’t real clouds. Rather, they were foam-like substances, possibly created by the condensation of industrial pollutants, gas emissions, or chemical reactions under certain weather conditions. Essentially: pollution dressed up as clouds for fifteen seconds of viral fame.

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But the curiosity these videos stirred begs a better question—how do real clouds form? And why can’t they just tumble down like fairy floss in a breeze?

The Real Alchemy of Cloud-Making

Clouds may look soft and whimsical, but they’re born from a powerful atmospheric process that starts at ground level:

• Sunlight meets water: It all begins with solar heat warming up Earth’s surface water—oceans, rivers, lakes, and soil. This triggers evaporation, turning liquid water into invisible vapor.
• Rise and chill: As this water vapor rises, it enters cooler layers of the atmosphere. Cooler air holds less moisture, so when the temperature drops to the dew point, something beautiful happens.
• Tiny particles, big magic: Floating high in the sky are microscopic bits of dust, salt, and even pollen. These act as condensation nuclei—the tiny surfaces water vapor clings to when it condenses into droplets.
• Voilà: a cloud is born: These droplets gather by the millions, forming what we see as clouds. Some are wispy and high-flying like cirrus, others low and thick like stratus, and the dramatic ones—those towering giants before a storm—are called cumulonimbus.

So no, clouds can’t "fall" in the classic sense. They’re made of water droplets so small and light that they float on rising air currents, dancing far above our heads.

Wonder Above and Below

Whether it’s pollution pretending to be clouds or genuine wonders like lenticular clouds shaped like UFOs, the sky never fails to spark imagination. But knowing the science behind it? That gives the wonder even more weight. Because what’s more magical than vapor, dust, and sunlight teaming up to create something that looks like dreams?

Why the 2013 Uttarakhand Floods Must Be Remembered

Increasing number of disasters in the region  

On June 16, 2013, Uttarakhand witnessed one of the most devastating disasters in its history. Unprecedented rainfall, measuring 385.1mm - over 440% above the normal for the onset of the monsoon - triggered catastrophic floods and landslides. The deluge, intensified by a cloudburst and a glacial lake outburst flood, caused the Chorabari Lake near Kedarnath to overflow, unleashing torrents of water and debris downstream. The disaster claimed over 6,000 lives, stranded more than 100,000 pilgrims and tourists, and obliterated infrastructure across the state.

The immediate response involved massive rescue operations. The Indian Army launched Operation Surya Hope, deploying over 10,000 troops, while the Indian Air Force initiated Operation Rahat, which became one of the largest civilian rescue missions by air, evacuating nearly 20,000 people and delivering essential supplies. Despite these efforts, the scale of the disaster exposed significant shortcomings in preparedness and early warning systems. Although the India Meteorological Department had issued alerts, communication breakdowns and a lack of coordinated action led to delayed evacuations and increased casualties.

A school in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, rebuilt as part of SEEDS’ post-disaster recovery efforts following the 2013 floods. Along with safety-focused infrastructure adapted to the hilly terrain, SEEDS has also conducted mock drills to help students prepare for emergencies.

Amid this chaos, civil society efforts helped plug the gaps. Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS), one of the first responders, focused on urgent unmet needs - supporting women’s privacy in overcrowded shelters and helping families who had dry rations but no means to cook them. Over 190 of the most vulnerable families in Rudraprayag received family tents and utensil kits. Makeshift schooling was enabled with temporary tents and cooking provisions for mid-day meals.

Students outside a newly rebuilt school in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Reconstructed by SEEDS in the aftermath of the 2013 floods, the facility is designed to be climate-resilient and safe for children in this high-risk seismic and landslide-prone zone.

With many schools either damaged or reduced to rubble, children’s education was severely disrupted - leaving students without safe spaces to learn or gather. In the months that followed, the organisation went on to rebuild 18 schools across Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts, using earthquake-resilient, lightweight materials that doubled as safe spaces and community hubs. The effort also included disaster preparedness training for over 2,000 students and residents, laying the groundwork for a more informed and resilient response in future emergencies.

While these efforts brought some stability to pockets of the affected region, the broader picture across Uttarakhand was far more sobering. The state’s tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure was shattered. Roads, schools, health centres, and water supply lines had to be rebuilt from scratch. The psychological toll on survivors, especially those who lost entire families, still lingers.

An evacuation plan being installed at Rajkiya Ucchatar Prathmik Vidyalaya, Karokhi, Ganganagar, Rudraprayag - one of the schools reconstructed by SEEDS after the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, with support from Ambuja Cement Foundation.

Long-term effects extended beyond physical loss. For months, communities faced food shortages and lack of healthcare. Livelihoods dependent on tourism took years to recover. Many survivors left the hills entirely, their ancestral homes abandoned. For a while, Kedarnath became a symbol of resilience - but also a grim reminder of the consequences of ignoring environmental limits.

The 2013 tragedy was a national wake-up call. There was a noticeable shift in how disasters were managed - more satellite monitoring, improved coordination between agencies, and the setting up of early warning systems in vulnerable regions. Looking back over the past 12 years, these steps represent meaningful progress. Yet, the increasing frequency of disasters in Uttarakhand signals that long-term, community-based resilience is still a work in progress.

This has become clear through recurring climate-related disasters. In 2021, a glacier broke off in Chamoli, unleashing a sudden surge in the Rishi Ganga river, destroying hydropower projects and claiming over 200 lives. In 2023, Joshimath made headlines for land subsidence - homes cracking open, roads warping, and families being evacuated.

In 2024, heavy rainfall triggered landslides across several regions, including Tingad village in Tehri district, where over 35 homes were destroyed and two schools deemed unsafe. SEEDS, which has been active in Uttarakhand since the 2013 floods, supported efforts to ensure children could continue learning. Working with local communities, they helped set up temporary classrooms on donated land, with basic sanitation and clean drinking water facilities. It was a small but necessary step toward restoring normalcy as families began to rebuild.

In fact, Uttarakhand’s history of disasters goes back decades. In 1970, a cloudburst over the Alaknanda Valley caused massive floods that wiped out villages and altered river courses. In 1998, a landslide in Malpa buried an entire village, killing over 200 people including several pilgrims. In 2012, just a year before Kedarnath, cloudbursts caused flash floods that disrupted the Char Dham Yatra and claimed several lives. Each time, warnings were issued. Each time, the state returned to business as usual once the water receded.

Uttarakhand sits in a seismically active, ecologically fragile zone. Yet, construction continues on precarious slopes, forests make way for highways, and rivers are redirected for energy. Climate change only intensifies these risks - melting glaciers, short spells of heavy rain, and unseasonal heat are now common. Despite clear patterns, these disasters are often labelled ‘low’ or ‘medium’ impact events, downplaying the long-term consequences.

What happened in June 2013 was not an anomaly. It was a warning. And unless we treat it as such - changing how we build, how we prepare, and how we respect the Himalayas - it will not be the last.

India's Scorching Reality: The Heat Wave and the Vanishing Forests

India is in the grip of an unrelenting heat wave, a crisis that is no longer just a seasonal inconvenience but a direct consequence of climate change. With temperatures soaring beyond historical records, the country is witnessing a twofold increase in heatwave days, particularly in major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. The rising heat is not just about discomfort—it is triggering erratic rainfall patterns, intensifying droughts, and pushing ecosystems to their limits.

The Climate Connection

Scientific studies confirmed that India has seen a 15-fold increase in extreme heat wave days over the last three decades, with the last decade alone witnessing a 19-fold surge. The monsoon season, once a reliable relief, is now behaving unpredictably, with extended summer-like conditions persisting even during rainy months. Experts warn that heat waves may soon extend into monsoon months, creating a dangerous mix of high temperatures and humidity.

The Silent Catastrophe: Forest Loss

While the heat wave dominates headlines, another crisis unfolds quietly—India’s disappearing forests. Over the past five years, the country has lost 668,400 hectares of forest, ranking second globally in deforestation. The destruction is driven by urban expansion, infrastructure projects, and agricultural demands. Alarmingly, 95% of tree cover loss in India from 2013 to 2023 occurred within natural forests, meaning these losses are not just temporary but permanent.

The consequences of this deforestation are dire. Forests act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases and regulating temperatures. Their destruction exacerbates climate change, making heat waves even more intense and frequent. The loss of tree cover also disrupts rainfall patterns, leading to water shortages, soil degradation, and biodiversity collapse.

What Lies Ahead?

India is at a crossroads. The heat waves will only worsen if deforestation continues unchecked. Experts advocate for climate risk observatories to provide real-time assessments and early warnings. Additionally, heat-index insurance policies are emerging to help vulnerable populations cope with financial losses due to extreme weather.

But these measures alone are not enough. India must prioritize forest conservation, enforce stricter environmental regulations, and accelerate its transition to sustainable energy sources. The heat wave is not just a seasonal anomaly—it is a warning. If ignored, the consequences will be irreversible.

Highest Temperatures in India (Last 15 Days)

Temperature Records (°C)

City/Region	Temperature (°C)	Date Recorded
Mungeshpur, Delhi	52.3°C	29 May 2024
Phalodi, Rajasthan	51.0°C	Recent Days
Sirsa, Haryana	50.3°C	Recent Days
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh	48.0°C	Recent Days
Narela	47.9°C	Recent Days
Rohtak, Haryana	47.7°C	Recent Days
Churu, Rajasthan	47.4°C	Recent Days
Bikaner, Rajasthan	47.0°C	Recent Days

Note: These temperature records are based on reported data from the last 15 days. The data may be updated as new records come in.

The question remains: Will India, Indians and India's central & state governments act before it’s too late?

Nature-based Innovation to Tackle Heat

Bihar, like many other states in India, has been witnessing record-breaking temperatures in recent years. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Buxar recorded a staggering 47.2°C in June 2024. As extreme heat events become more frequent, solutions like cool shelters offer a lifeline to vulnerable communities struggling to cope with rising temperatures.

At the Bihar Diwas 2025, inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on March 22, 2025 a unique innovation aimed at tackling the intensifying heatwaves in the state was showcased. A fibre from Rajasthan - the Magra fibre - was used as insulation for a cool shelter. The story of this pastoral wool fibre traces back to SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) and its contribution to the India Humanitarian Hub initiative, which aims to build climate resilience through local innovation. As part of this effort, Urmul, in collaboration with Samakhya Sustainable Alternatives, repurposed discarded sheep wool by combining indigenous knowledge with technological inputs.

SEED's Climate-resilient Shelters for Local Communities

SEED's Climate-resilient Shelters for Local Communities

The aim was to create solutions that support self-reliance, sustainability, and fit within the social systems of local communities. Today, Magra’s regenerative pastoral fibres offer an effective and eco-friendly option for thermal and acoustic insulation.

SEEDS has been developing and refining cool shelters over the years, experimenting with sustainable materials and structural adaptations to improve their effectiveness against extreme heat. In 2023, the organisation piloted a series of bamboo shelters across Delhi, offering much-needed respite to the city’s most heat-exposed populations - rickshaw pullers, rag pickers, and construction workers. Constructed primarily using eco-friendly bamboo, these shelters leveraged the material’s natural cooling properties to create breathable, shaded spaces in urban heat islands.

 

Climate Resilient & Disaster prone housing structure

The impact of the latest iteration of the cool shelter that used this Magra fibre in Patna was evident. On March 25, 2025 when the outside temperature reached 44 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside the shelter remained 38 degrees Celsius, marking a notable reduction of 5 to 6 degrees Celsius.

The SEEDS stall at Bihar Diwas attracted considerable attention from government officials, scientific experts, and representatives from leading organizations. Among the key dignitaries who visited the stall were the Honorable Governor of Bihar Arif Mohammad Khan, Vice Chairman of Bihar State Disaster Management Authority Uday Kant Mishra and other members of BSDMA, Narendra Kumar Singh and Koshal Kishor Mishra.

District Magistrate of Patna Sri Chandrashekhar, along with Scientific Officers from Bihar Mausam Seva Kendra Dr. S. Neethu and Dr. Abhishek Kumar Mishra, also took keen interest in the initiative.

“We should spread the word as much as possible for such innovations. It should reach the villages and be made available to them, as it can provide relief from extreme heat,” said Uday Kant Mishra, Vice Chairman of BSDMA.

Expanding the reach of cool shelters, making them accessible to more communities across India is important as another hot summer lies ahead. As Bihar and other states brace for another sweltering summer, the role of sustainable, low-cost cooling solutions is increasingly crucial.

SEEDS is proud recipient of the United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction 2022 and Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Award 2021 by Government of India.