Heavy rain and storms have caused devastating floods and landslides across parts of India and Nepal, leaving more than 50 people dead in India and 14 dead in Nepal. Authorities in both countries continue rescue and relief efforts as river levels remain high and further flash floods are possible.
In India, the death toll has risen to 56 after nearly 60 hours of intense rainfall. The northern state of Uttar Pradesh recorded 66.5 mm of rain between September 25 and the morning of September 27, far above the normal 7.6 mm for that period. State relief commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod confirmed that rescue teams are working in waterlogged areas and distributing essential supplies. Officials have also been instructed to assess crop damage and arrange compensation for affected families. In addition to the deaths, 46 people have been injured and more than 1,000 houses damaged.
The Central Water Commission reported a severe situation at 30 river monitoring stations across seven states. Major rivers including the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati and Narmada are flowing above danger levels.
In Nepal, 14 people have died and 11 remain missing since Thursday. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has warned of possible flash floods in 49 of the country’s 77 districts. More than half of those districts face high flood or flash flood risks as water levels in major rivers and tributaries continue to rise. Areas such as Rasuwa and Nuwakot, which suffered heavy losses last month, have been told to stay alert.
Power supply has been completely cut in the Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Baglung districts. Flooding of the Rahuganga River damaged a 40 megawatt hydropower project and its transmission towers. Telecommunications have also been disrupted in several areas after optical fibre cables and power lines were damaged.
In a separate incident, 10 local workers went missing after an avalanche struck the base camp of Himlung Himal in northern Manang district. The workers had been preparing tents for foreign climbers who were not present at the time.
Both countries are focused on rescue operations, restoring essential services and preparing for further heavy rain in the coming days.
