Torrential rains have triggered flash floods and landslides in Nepal, claiming at least 14 lives and leaving nine people missing. The disaster has affected multiple locations, prompting police and local agencies to launch a massive search operation.
Neighboring country, India, has also been battered by floods, particularly in the northeastern state of Assam. Six people have died in the past 24 hours, taking the total death toll to 58 since mid-May. The floods have displaced millions and caused widespread destruction.
In Bangladesh, over two million people have been affected by floods in the low-lying delta region, which is downstream from India. The country is largely made up of deltas where the Himalayan rivers Ganges and Brahmaputra flow towards the sea after passing through India.
The summer monsoon brings 70-80% of the annual rainfall to South Asia, causing widespread death and destruction every year. However, experts warn that climate change and increased road construction are exacerbating the problem, leading to more frequent and severe floods and landslides.
Nepal’s disaster authorities have issued warnings for flash floods in multiple rivers, and police are working tirelessly with local agencies to locate missing individuals. The regional death toll stands at 68, with 14 deaths in Nepal and 58 in India.
The devastating impact of monsoon rains in South Asia serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. As the rains continue to lash the region, the death toll is feared to rise, and the full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.
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