Weather patterns peril lives, infrastructure

 EXTEME weather patterns in the country are damaging infrastructure and pose a great threat to the safety of people, an official says.

Climate Change and Development Office executive director Badira Varigini said extensive flooding and landslides are costing a lot in terms of lives and infrastructure.

Varigini said the recent heavy rainfall was caused by the El Nino Southern Oscillation – the variation in sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean.

Varigini said its impact was amplified and distorted by the global warming.

He said Pacific Climate Change Science Programme findings revealed a high probability of rainfall between 2010 and 2030. 

“The rainfall will increase by between six per cent and 16 per cent for the months of November to April if the existing level of high global carbon emissions is maintained,” he said.

“During the periods, increased precipitation intensity and flooding will overwhelm existing drainage infrastructure that have not catered for climate change. Moreover, high-intensity precipitation will increase erosion and larger sediment loads will result in more rapid sedimentation of storage reservoirs thus reducing storage capacity.

“Changes in the amount of rainfall will affect the performance and operation of water systems. Increasing precipitation will put pressure on urban drainage systems, while sewerage systems will become more difficult to operate and maintain if precipitation levels and discharge decline. 

“Long-term rainfall increases will elevate groundwater levels, thus decreasing the efficiency of natural purification processes and increasing the risk of infectious disease, plus exposure to toxic chemicals. 

“Increases in the intensity of floods will  result in the contamination of water sources and may increase the incidence of waterborne and water-related diseases.”