Heavy rains leave 70 dead in India and Nepal

Heavy rains and storms caused floods and landslides that left 56 dead in India and 14 in Nepal. Another 11 people are missing in Nepal. Authorities in both countries warned this Sunday (27) of the risk of new flash floods.

In the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, 66.5 millimeters of rain were recorded between September 25 and this Sunday morning. The expected average for the period is 7.6 millimeters, according to Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod, state relief commissioner.

Rescue teams operate in flooded areas and distribute humanitarian aid. Servers were also instructed to assess damage to plantations and provide compensation.

In addition to the 56 deaths, 46 people were injured and more than 1,000 homes were damaged.

In Nepal, authorities warned of the possibility of flash floods in 49 of the country's 77 districts. More than half of these areas face high risk of flooding or flash flooding, while levels of major rivers and tributaries continue to rise.

Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, said Rasuwa and Nuwakot, regions hit by last month's deadly floods, should remain on alert.

The floods killed more than 1,450 people and left thousands missing. According to Mahat, however, the two regions are not considered high-risk areas at this time.

Power supply was completely disrupted in Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Baglung districts. Crews are working to restore electricity, according to Energy Ministry officials.

Water Resources and Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said floods in the Rahuganga river had damaged structures and transmission towers of a 40-megawatt hydropower plant.

In India, the Central Water Commission reported that 30 river monitoring stations in seven states recorded a “serious situation”.

Among the rivers that were above danger levels were the Ganges, Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati and Narmada.

Floods and landslides also disrupted telecommunications in parts of Nepal. According to the Minister of Communications, Bikram Timilsinha, there was damage to optical fibers and the power supply.

In a separate incident, 10 local workers are also missing after an avalanche hit the base camp of Himlung Himal, a 7,126-meter mountain in Manang district in northern Nepal.

Workers were setting up tents for foreign climbers, who were not at the site when the avalanche occurred.