Over 100 dead from floods and landslides in India and Nepal

KATHMANDU/NEW DELHI, 28 September /ATSH-DPA/ — More than 100 people have died from floods and landslides in northern India and Nepal following heavy rainfall, authorities said today.

In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the border with Nepal, authorities have reported 81 victims since Friday, after three days of intense rain.

Relentless rain and strong winds have flooded roads and residential areas, isolating entire villages.

Dozens have died from floods, mudslides, building collapses, falling trees and electrocution.

The situation has also caused major damage to agriculture.

According to the state relief commissioner’s office, more than two thousand hectares of farmland have been damaged, while over 100 animals have died.

The India Meteorological Department said the heavy rainfall in Uttar Pradesh was caused by a low-pressure area over central India.

India’s monsoon season, which usually runs from June to September, is vital for agriculture and water supply, but every year it also causes floods, landslides and casualties.

In Nepal, authorities have confirmed at least 27 dead from floods and landslides.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said four people are missing and seven injured.

The authority’s spokesperson, Shanti Mahat, said the toll could change as authorities are still gathering information from the affected areas.

These are the latest severe disasters in the Himalayan region.

Last month, Nepal and Tibet were hit by devastating flash floods that caused around 1,450 deaths and over 5,500 missing, according to the report.