Across South Asia (which is considered Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), monsoon season is no rare sight to see. Typically, every June to September, a seasonal shift in wind direction happens. According to National Weather Service, the sun warms the land and sea differently because of the difference in temperatures between the landmass and an adjoining ocean.

What does the wind have to do with that though? Well wind blow happens when pressure imbalances happen between two locations. Now in this case, where the pressure imbalance is happening due to the difference in temperature between land and nearby oceans, it causes the wind to “play a tug-of war” and eventually switch direction. This brings the cooler, moister air from over the ocean. The winds reverse again at the end of the monsoon season.

The summer monsoon is what brings the insane amount of rain. But this year, because of global warming, the amount of rainfall went from mighty to uncontrollable. The constant but less intense rains already damage, kill and displace hundreds or even thousands of people. Global warming caused the increased frequency of extreme rain making it more likely to cause flooding.

Bangladesh

A third of Bangladesh is fully flooded and submerged. The small country is one of the most affected countries by the monsoon season, primarily because of its low lying land and very close proximity to the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. Officials said this flooding might be the worst in a decade and the longest-lasting since 1988. Death tolls just from the floods rose to 251 (Number was taken on August 30, 2020) and have displaced more than 1.5 million. The Bangladeshi government tried to prepare for the incoming floods, but due to the disaster and chaos that Covid-19 left the country, it has not been able to help much.

Pakistan

Pakistan's financial capital, Karachi, recorded an astonishing 230 mm rainfall in a single day on August 27, making this August the wettest August in 89 years. The country's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that the death toll from rain-related incidents across Pakistan has increased to 134 since June. Already dozens of Pakistanis died in August alone (near 50).

Many people in Pakistan are enraged by the lack of help from the government. Experts state that Pakistan lacks a modern flood warning system. Again, the NDMA reported that the country is relying on old technology for the weather forecast, making it difficult to create standard and accurate atmospheric predictions.

Afghanistan

In 13 provinces, mostly in the north of Afghanistan, are hit by massive flash floods. Officials say in just this week, 160 people have been killed. Homes washed away across the country. On Saturday, August 29, rescuers in Afghanistan continue to search amidst mud and rubble for missing people.

For example, Parwan's flooding, which is just north of the capital Kabul, started on Wednesday and has already killed 116 people. More than 120 are injured, with 15 people still missing.

When we say all of South Asia is suffering...we mean ALL.

India is facing losses everywhere. In Assam, one of the most worst-hit states, about 5.7 million out of the 30 million people have been hit by the deluge, with the total loss of property and crops estimated at $306 million. Dozens are feared dead after Kerala's flooding and other states (geographically closer to Bangladesh).

In Nepal, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said, "132 people dead, 128 injured, 53 missing and 998 families affected due to rainfall, landslides and floods in the country as of July 23." Numbers are likely much higher now. Similar scenes are found in Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Across South Asia, more than 17 million people are suffering just by this year's monsoon flooding, and because of the coronavirus, it has exasperated the situation even more. Stated in NYTIMES, the world's richest 10% are responsible for up to 40% of global environmental damage, yet people least responsible will be hurt the most. As the years go by, we will just be seeing more floods, deaths and destruction. These people suffering have been all alone, forced to deal with the consequences that the powerful governments in the world created.