South Asia's summer monsoon has turned deadly this year, with India reporting over 100 fatalities from floods and landslides since July. The toll, confirmed by official data on Wednesday, underscores the growing threat of extreme weather in a region where such disasters are becoming more unpredictable. Residents in the worst-hit areas have been seen using rafts and inflatable boats to navigate flooded streets, as thousands abandon their homes. The devastation spans multiple states, from the northeastern floodplains to the southern coast and the Himalayan foothills. Main Developments Assam, in the northeast, has borne the brunt of the monsoon, with at least 87 deaths reported by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Sivasagar district alone accounts for 47 fatalities, and large swathes of the state remain submerged. Read also: 6 key facts behind India's ethanol fuel contamination U-turn Kerala, on the southern tip, has recorded 15 deaths and seven missing after days of relentless rain triggered landslides and caused rivers to overflow. Over 300 relief camps now shelter more than 10,000 displaced residents in the state. In Jammu and Kashmir, at least 31 people have died from short bursts of extreme rainfall, according to the state broadcaster. Lightning strikes, a common monsoon hazard, have killed 22 people in Bihar and Jharkhand since Tuesday, including four children and numerous farm workers. Background Monsoon-related disasters are an annual reality for India, which relies on the rains to replenish water supplies after long, dry summers. However, scientists point to climate change as a driver of more erratic and intense rainfall patterns across the region. This year's disasters follow a government statement last month attributing the severe weather to El Nino, a climate phenomenon that warms Pacific Ocean surface temperatures. Neighboring Sri Lanka is also suffering, with eight deaths and 12,000 displaced by floods since Monday. Why It Matters The human cost is staggering—over 100 lives lost and thousands more uprooted—but the broader implications are equally grave. The disasters strike at the heart of India's agricultural economy, destroying crops and infrastructure in some of the country's most vulnerable regions. Assam's chief minister has appealed for public donations, noting that while material losses can be rebuilt, no compensation can replace a loved one. The events highlight the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and climate adaptation in a region facing increasingly unpredictable weather. What's Next Relief and rescue operations are ongoing, with state authorities in Assam and Kerala managing relief camps and assessing damage. The full scale of the destruction, including economic losses, is yet to be quantified. As the monsoon season continues, officials warn that more rainfall could trigger additional landslides and flooding. The focus remains on providing immediate aid to the displaced and preventing further casualties, while long-term questions about climate resilience loom.