Floods and Landslides Kill Dozens in India and Nepal as Authorities Warn of Further Rain

Heavy rain, flooding and landslides have caused extensive loss of life across parts of India and Nepal, while emergency agencies continue to monitor swollen rivers and the possibility of further flash floods.

In India, at least 56 people were reported dead following intense rain and storm-related incidents. Uttar Pradesh was among the worst-affected areas, receiving 66.5 millimetres of rain between September 25 and the morning of September 27—far above the normal 7.6 millimetres for that period.

The unusually heavy rainfall created flood-like conditions in several districts and damaged homes, roads and agricultural land. Rescue and relief personnel were deployed to reach affected communities and move people away from vulnerable locations.

The Central Water Commission said numerous river-monitoring stations across several states were experiencing severe conditions, with water levels rising above their designated danger marks or approaching previously recorded highs.

Nepal also suffered deadly floods and landslides. At least 14 people were reported dead, while 11 others remained missing. Authorities warned that further flash flooding was possible because of continuing rainfall and unstable ground conditions.

Road travel was disrupted in parts of Nepal after landslides and floodwater blocked important routes. Public transport services to and from Kathmandu were temporarily affected as authorities assessed the condition of highways.

The disaster comes during a particularly difficult period for Himalayan communities. Steep terrain, fragile slopes and settlements close to rivers make the region highly vulnerable when prolonged or unusually intense rainfall occurs.

A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, potentially increasing the intensity of some heavy-rain events. However, scientists generally caution that the role of climate change in an individual disaster requires detailed study. Local factors—including construction near rivers, deforestation, drainage capacity and slope stability—can significantly influence the scale of destruction.

The immediate priority is locating missing people, providing medical care, restoring essential services and ensuring that residents receive reliable warnings. People in affected areas should follow instructions from local disaster-management agencies and avoid flooded roads, riverbanks and unstable slopes.

The casualty figures may change as rescue teams reach isolated areas. Reports should therefore distinguish between confirmed official totals and preliminary numbers circulating through social media.

Key points

• At least 56 deaths were reported in India following heavy rain and storms.
• At least 14 people died in Nepal, with 11 reported missing.
• Uttar Pradesh received rainfall far above the normal level for the period.
• Rivers across several Indian states were at severe or dangerous levels.
• Nepalese authorities warned that additional flash floods remained possible.

Sources

Reuters report republished by Prothom Alo