The **Asian region** is experiencing a climate crisis that goes hand in hand with the accelerated intensification of [global warming](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/la-humanidad-tiene-solo-tres-anos-para-frenar-el-calentamiento-global-la-dura-advertencia-de-mas-de-60-cientificos/), with a pace that **doubles the global average**, according to the latest report from the **World Meteorological Organization (WMO)**, published this Monday.
The document warns that 2024 was a record-breaking year on many fronts: **China broke temperature records for at least five months**, while other countries faced **severe droughts, historic floods, and prolonged heatwaves**.
*”Extreme weather is already exacting an unacceptably high toll,”* warned **Celeste Saulo**, Secretary-General of the [WMO](https://wmo.int/es).
A region warming faster than the planet
The report attributes this warming pace to the **continental size of Asia and the thermal behavior of its soils**, which absorb more heat than oceanic masses. Additionally, the **Indian and Pacific oceans** surrounding the region also recorded **record surface temperatures in 2024**.
As a result, scientists documented:
- Accelerated glacier melting, particularly in Kazakhstan.
- [Rise in sea level](https://noticiasambientales.com/ciencia/rios-atmosfericos-el-fenomeno-que-amenaza-a-la-antartida-y-podria-provocar-el-aumento-del-nivel-del-mar/).
- More frequent and intense extreme phenomena, such as heatwaves on land and at sea.
Climate crisis in two senses: excess and scarcity of water
The consequences manifested in opposite extremes:
- In **India**, a landslide caused by rains left over **350 dead in Kerala**.
- In **Kazakhstan**, the **worst floods in 70 years** were caused by unusual rains combined with thawing.
- In **China**, a summer drought affected **4.76 million people**, damaging crops and worsening water insecurity.
Nepal: a model of early warning in action
The report highlights the case of **Nepal** as a positive example. Between September 26 and 28, 2024, the country faced **extreme precipitation that caused 246 deaths and over 200 missing**. However, thanks to its **early warning systems and evacuation protocols**, a greater tragedy was averted.
*”It is the first time in 65 years that the floods have been so severe. There were no victims thanks to the preparation and rescue measures,”* said **Ramesh Karki**, mayor of the municipality of Barahakshetra.
Additionally, a national mechanism for **rapid emergency financing** allowed for the immediate mobilization of humanitarian aid and reconstruction funds.
Adapting quickly to save lives
The report reiterates that **strengthening National Meteorological and Hydrological Services** and advancing in **effective early warnings** will be crucial to **protect lives and livelihoods**.
Collaboration between governments, international organizations, and local communities is presented as an **urgent priority in the face of a climate scenario that shows no signs of stopping**.
*Cover photo: EFE*
