Record Rainfall Triggers Catastrophic Flooding and Landslides Across the Region
At least 150 people have lost their lives following catastrophic flooding and landslides in India and Nepal, resulting from some of the heaviest rainfall in more than a century. The extreme weather began earlier this week and has left widespread destruction across both countries.
In India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, cloudbursts triggered the heaviest rainfall in over 100 years, causing flash floods and landslides. As of Wednesday, 46 people had been confirmed dead, with 11 others still missing. Authorities warned that the situation remained precarious, as the floodwaters made rescue efforts more difficult.
Nepal, too, has suffered greatly, with 77 confirmed deaths and many more missing. The flooding washed away homes, roads, and bridges, and officials fear that the death toll could rise as many rural areas remain cut off. The landslides have wreaked havoc on villages, leaving entire communities stranded.
The severe weather has also affected the Indian regions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal, as well as neighboring Sikkim, with at least three deaths reported. In southern India, Kerala’s death toll rose to 39 following intense storms over the weekend, further highlighting the region’s vulnerability to such extreme events.
