Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Excess Rain Costs Mumbai $1.2 Billion Annually, Study Finds
Imagine it rains a lot in a big city like Mumbai, India.
A new study looked at what happens during these heavy rains, especially during the monsoon season from 2006 to 2015.
The study found that much more people died than what we usually hear about, with almost 2,700 extra deaths each year!
These deaths were from things like drowning or getting sick from the floods.
The study also said these heavy rains caused about $1.2 billion dollars in damage every year.
This is a big problem because it shows that cities like Mumbai aren't ready for such extreme weather.
The study also mentioned that many other cities in poorer countries face similar risks.
To fix this, we need stronger buildings and better ways to prepare for bad weather.
A new study estimates that severe rains in Mumbai caused approximately 2,718 deaths annually between 2006 and 2015.
The study, published in Springer Nature, indicates these deaths, including from drowning and disease, were significantly underreported in public records.
Annual economic losses in Mumbai due to excess rainfall are estimated at $1.2 billion USD for the decade studied.
Children, women, the elderly, and slum dwellers were identified as the most vulnerable groups affected by flooding.
The findings underscore weaknesses in India's urban infrastructure and public health systems in the face of extreme weather events.
- Who
- Researchers publishing in Springer Nature, Archana Patankar (co-author), Subimal Ghosh (corresponding author)
- What
- A study estimating the mortality and economic costs of severe rain in Mumbai, finding significantly higher impacts than publicly recorded.
- When
- Study published Wednesday; data covers 2006-2015.
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- To quantify the human and economic toll of extreme rainfall and highlight the need for better infrastructure and adaptation measures.
Current Study Findings (2006-2015)
General Public Records
Annual Deaths due to Severe Rains in Mumbai
Current Study Findings (2006-2015)
Approximately 2,718 deaths per year during monsoon season.
General Public Records
Significantly fewer deaths are recorded in public records.
Annual Economic Losses due to Severe Rains in Mumbai
Current Study Findings (2006-2015)
Estimated at $1.2 billion USD per year.
General Public Records
Not specified, but implied to be lower than study's findings.
- Study Publication
- Springer Nature (international science journal)
- Time Period
- 2006-2015 (10 years)
- Location
- Mumbai, India
- Annual Deaths (Monsoon Season)
- Approx. 2,718
- Annual Economic Losses
- $1.2 billion USD
- Estimated Total Mortality Cost (Decade)
- $12 billion USD
- Vulnerable Populations
- Children, women, adults over 65, residents of slums (approx. 80%)
- Contributing Factors to Deaths
- Drowning, electrocution, disease outbreaks, exacerbated conditions like diarrhea, tuberculosis, hypertension
Sources
India among top 10 countries affected by climate change
India 9th among countries worst hit by climate disasters in last 30 years: Report
Climate Risk Index 2026: India among top 10 worst-hit countries from 1995–2024; China, Pakistan, and US also rank high
Knowledge Nugget: Why Climate Risk Index (CRI) Report matters for UPSC preparation
