Extreme weather events including lightning strikes, heatwaves, floods, and landslides caused the deaths of nearly 8,000 people across India in 2024, according to new data released by the National Crime Records Bureau.
The figures highlight the growing human cost of climate-linked disasters as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increasingly severe weather events continue to affect millions across the country.
According to the NCRB’s latest report on accidental deaths caused by natural forces, a total of 7,903 people died due to extreme weather and related disasters during the year.
Lightning strikes emerged as the deadliest weather-related hazard, accounting for 2,825 deaths nearly 36 percent of all fatalities linked to natural causes.
Heatwaves and sunstroke followed closely, causing 1,832 deaths nationwide. Floods claimed 361 lives, while exposure to cold weather caused 833 deaths. Landslides accounted for 351 fatalities, and torrential rain led to 39 deaths.
The data indicate that working age adults were among the worst affected. Nearly 57 percent of all victims were between 30 and 60 years old. More than 4,500 deaths occurred within this age bracket alone, reflecting the vulnerability of outdoor workers, farmers, labourers, and people exposed to harsh weather conditions for extended periods.
The report also recorded 659 deaths among children and adolescents below 18 years of age.
Heatwaves Emerging as Major Public Health Threat
Heatwaves have become one of India’s fastest-growing climate threats, especially across northern and central regions where summer temperatures repeatedly crossed dangerous levels in 2024.
Among the 53 major cities covered in the NCRB analysis, heatwaves and sunstroke accounted for the largest share of weather-related deaths.
Amritsar reported the highest number of heat-related fatalities with 78 deaths, followed by Patna with 40 deaths and Faridabad with 34.
Experts say prolonged high temperatures, rising humidity, lack of cooling infrastructure, and increasing exposure among outdoor workers are intensifying the crisis.
Vinay Agarwal of the Indian Medical Association told ETV Bharat that many states still lack adequate cooling shelters, hydration centres, and public awareness systems despite recurring heatwave warnings.
Public health specialists now increasingly view extreme heat as both a climate and governance challenge requiring long-term preparedness measures.
Floods and Landslides Continue to Devastate Vulnerable Region. Flooding remained a serious threat in several Himalayan and northeastern states.
Himachal Pradesh recorded 45 flood-related deaths out of 115 total natural disaster fatalities during the year. The state also reported the highest number of deaths caused by torrential rainfall.
Scientists and disaster experts have repeatedly warned that fragile mountain terrain, rapid urbanisation, deforestation, and unplanned infrastructure expansion are increasing the risks of flash floods and cloudburst-related disasters.
Landslides caused especially severe impacts in Kerala, where they accounted for 155 out of 172 natural disaster deaths reported in the state.
Other states including Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura, and Mizoram also recorded high proportions of landslide-related fatalities.
Lightning Strikes Remain India’s Biggest Weather Killer
Lightning continued to be the single largest cause of weather-related deaths, particularly in eastern and southern India.
In West Bengal, nearly 86 percent of all natural disaster deaths were linked to lightning strikes. Tamil Nadu recorded a similarly high proportion, with lightning accounting for almost 89 percent of such fatalities.
In Goa and Manipur, lightning was reported as the sole cause of weather-related accidental deaths.
Experts say lightning fatalities rise sharply during intense pre-monsoon thunderstorms, especially in rural agricultural areas where workers remain exposed outdoors without access to safe shelter or real-time warning systems.
The NCRB figures come as India continues to experience increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Researchers and disaster management experts say the data underline the urgent need for stronger early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, better urban planning, and improved protection for vulnerable communities facing escalating climate risks.