Source Aljajeera
Days of relentless, torrential monsoon rains have triggered destructive flash floods and massive landslides across northern India and neighboring Nepal, leaving a trail of devastation and claiming at least 68 lives.
Emergency rescue teams are working around the clock to reach stranded families, clear blocked mountain roads, and distribute aid to thousands forced out of their homes.
Heavy Rain Batters Northern India
The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has taken the brunt of the storm, with officials reporting at least 56 deaths over three days. The region saw an extraordinary amount of water in a matter of hours—recording nearly 67 millimeters of rainfall between Friday and Sunday, almost nine times higher than the typical seasonal average.
According to the state’s Relief Commissioner’s office, raging floodwaters have damaged over 1,000 houses and injured at least 46 people. Farmers also face heavy losses as rising rivers submerged standing crops right before harvest. Further east in Odisha, the authorities had to evacuate more than 70,000 residents from low-lying riverbanks as water levels surged past safety marks.
Landslides Bring Fresh Tragedy to Nepal
Across the border in Nepal, the latest downpour triggered fresh landslides on steep mountain slopes, killing at least 12 people and leaving several others missing.
The disaster has dealt another severe blow to communities that were already struggling to recover from catastrophic floods just one month ago. Swollen rivers and falling mud have severed power lines, cut off road access to remote villages, and knocked out telecommunications across several mountain districts.
Race Against Rising Waters
Disaster response teams in both countries have deployed boats, earthmovers, and helicopters to evacuate families trapped on rooftops and higher ground. Local officials warn that major rivers—including the Ganga, Gandak, and Kosi—are still flowing well above dangerous levels, and people living near riverbanks are being urged to move to safety while emergency shelters open their doors.
