Listen to Story Extreme rainfall events are linked to a higher risk of death, particularly from heart and lung diseases, according to a new study. Published in The BMJ , the study analysed data from 34 countries over four decades, providing insight into how intense rain impacts public health. With climate change driving more frequent and severe short-term rainfall, the study found that days of extreme rain led to an 8% increase in deaths from all causes and a 29% rise in deaths from respiratory illnesses .
These effects were especially noticeable in areas with less vegetation and stable climates, where the risks were higher. Researchers looked at over 109 million deaths from 645 locations between 1980 and 2020, examining how different intensities of rain affected mortality rates. The study found that days of extreme rain led to an 8% increase in deaths from all causes.
(Photo: PTI) The most severe rainstorms, those expected to occur every five years, had the most significant impact on both cardiovascular and respiratory deaths. Interestingly, moderate rainfall was found to have some protective effects, likely due to reduced pollution and fewer people going outside. However, extreme rainfall caused harm through infrastructure damage, contaminated water , and increased exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses.
Dr Dharmesh Shah, founder and Director of Holistica World, commented on the study and said that when heavy rains break out, high humidity and contamination of water sourc.
