Pune, 6th January 2025: India experienced widespread devastation due to extreme weather events in 2025, as heavy rainfall, floods, cloudbursts, landslides, lightning, heat waves and cold waves caused significant loss of life and property.
According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and data from disaster management authorities, nearly 2,760 people lost their lives due to these events during the year in the country.
Among the worst-affected states, Maharashtra stood out as a major hotspot of weather-related deaths. The state reported over 270 deaths, largely caused by intense rainfall, flooding, lightning strikes, thunderstorms, heat waves and hailstorms.
Several districts experienced repeated episodes of heavy rain, leading to floods, infrastructure damage and loss of lives, especially in vulnerable rural and hilly regions.
Across India, heavy rainfall, floods, cloudbursts and landslides alone claimed more than 1,370 lives. Maharashtra recorded the highest number of deaths from these rain-related disasters, with over 210 fatalities, underscoring the growing impact of erratic monsoon patterns and extreme rainfall events.
Poor drainage, rapid urbanisation and settlements in flood-prone areas further aggravated the situation.
| Extreme Weather Event | Estimated Deaths |
|---|---|
| Heavy rainfall, floods, cloudbursts & landslides | 1,370 |
| Thunderstorms & lightning | 1,310 |
| Heat waves | 35 |
| Cold waves | 20 |
| Gales, hailstorms & dust storms | 15 |
| Snowfall-related incidents | 10 |
Lightning and thunderstorms emerged as another major cause of fatalities in 2025, accounting for over 1,310 deaths nationwide. Maharashtra reported around 60 lightning-related deaths, often linked to sudden thunderstorms during pre-monsoon and monsoon months. Several single-day incidents across the country resulted in dozens of deaths, reflecting the lack of early warning awareness and protective measures.
Heat waves, though less deadly compared to rainfall and lightning, still claimed around 35 lives across India. Maharashtra reported heat-related deaths during peak summer, especially affecting outdoor workers, farmers and elderly citizens exposed to prolonged high temperatures.
Other extreme weather events such as gales, hailstorms, cold waves and dust storms also caused casualties, injuries and extensive damage to crops, livestock and property.
Experts warn that the rising frequency and intensity of such events point to the urgent need for better disaster preparedness, climate-resilient infrastructure and stronger early warning systems, particularly in states like Maharashtra that face repeated weather extremes.