Heavy rain and storms have caused flooding and landslides across parts of India and neighbouring Nepal, leaving at least 19 people dead and 10 workers missing, authorities said. Several rivers have also risen above danger levels, raising concerns of further flooding in vulnerable areas.
Uttar Pradesh Reports 15 Deaths
In Uttar Pradesh, 15 people were killed and five others injured over the past 48 hours, according to a statement issued by state authorities on Saturday. The severe weather also damaged 117 houses across the state.
Heavy rain and storms affected 63 districts, with Uttar Pradesh recording rainfall that was 19 times its normal level during the 24 hours leading up to Saturday.
Four Killed In Nepal Landslide
In Nepal, four people, including three children and a woman, died after a landslide buried their home while they were asleep in Nishi Khola village in Baglung district. Krishna Prasad Acharya, the district's senior-most bureaucrat, confirmed the deaths.
10 Workers Missing After Avalanche
Ten Nepali workers remain missing after an avalanche buried the base camp of Himlung Himal in northern Manang district, according to hiking officials.
The workers were preparing tents for foreign climbers at the 7,126-metre (23,379-ft) mountain when the avalanche struck. The climbers had not yet arrived at the site.
Flood Risk Rises Across Nepal And India
Nepali authorities have warned of possible flash floods in 49 of the country's 77 districts. More than half of the districts are facing a high risk of floods or flash floods as water levels in major rivers and tributaries continue to rise.
In India, the Central Water Commission said 30 river-monitoring stations spread across seven states were in a "severe situation". Water levels at these locations had risen above designated danger marks but remained within the previous highest flood levels.
Several major rivers, including the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati and Narmada, were also flowing above danger levels at monitoring stations.
Floods Disrupt Communications In Nepal
The extreme weather has also affected telecommunications in parts of Nepal. Communications Minister Bikram Timilsinha said damage to optical fibre networks and power supplies had disrupted connectivity in some areas.
[With inputs from Reuters]
