Floods and landslides kill 19 in India and Nepal as rivers rise
by@Reuters
Summary
Heavy rains and storms have caused devastating floods and landslides in India and Nepal, resulting in at least 19 fatalities, with 15 deaths reported in Uttar Pradesh, India, and four in Nepal. The Southern Asian monsoon season, which typically brings intense rainfall that raises the risk of such disasters, has led to rivers surpassing danger levels, affecting 63 districts in India and prompting warnings in 49 districts of Nepal. In addition to the loss of life, ten workers in Nepal are missing after an avalanche struck while they were setting up tents for climbers, highlighting the vulnerability of infrastructure in these mountainous regions.
Analysis
India: The Republic of India is a large South Asian nation bordering Nepal that experiences frequent monsoon-related flooding. In this event, authorities in Uttar Pradesh state reported multiple deaths and widespread damage from heavy rains and rising rivers across dozens of districts. Nepal: Nepal is a Himalayan nation sharing a border with India and facing frequent risks from landslides, floods, and avalanches in its mountainous terrain. Officials here documented deaths from a landslide in Baglung district, missing workers in Manang, and damage to infrastructure including a hydropower project and telecommunications. Shanti Mahat: Shanti Mahat serves as spokesperson for Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. She issued guidance on areas previously impacted by flooding, urging continued vigilance in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. Bikram Timilsinha: Bikram Timilsinha is Nepal's Communications Minister. He addressed disruptions to telecommunications networks in flood-affected areas due to damage to optical fibres and power supplies. Biraj Bhakta Shrestha: Biraj Bhakta Shrestha is Nepal's Water Resources and Energy Minister. He confirmed structural damage to a hydropower project from flooding in the Rahuganga River and noted that a technical team was assessing repairs. Krishna Prasad Acharya: Krishna Prasad Acharya is the senior-most bureaucrat in Nepal's Baglung district. He reported details of a landslide that killed four people, including children and a woman, in Nishi Khola village. Seasonal Weather Patterns: The South Asian monsoon season regularly brings intense rainfall that triggers floods and landslides across India and Nepal. Cross-Border River Systems: Major rivers including the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Bagmati flow through both India and Nepal, amplifying shared flood risks during heavy rain events. Infrastructure Vulnerability: Hydropower facilities and communication networks in Nepal's mountainous districts are susceptible to damage from rising waters and landslides.
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macropolitics