Floods and landslides: Death toll rises after monsoon rains in India

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The states of Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have been hit in the past two days, local media reported Thursday, citing officials. Many people have drowned in the floods, been swept away by mudslides or buried in buildings.

The total death toll has not yet been released. Not all government agencies pass on their data to the centrally responsible office of the Ministry of the Interior in a timely manner. At least 12 people died last weekend. At least 70 people are said to have died. The actual number is probably higher.

Heavy rain persisted across much of northern India, causing flooding and landslides. Several roads were blocked by debris, especially in the affected mountainous areas, stranding pilgrims on their way to and from Hindu memorials, local media reported.

In the capital New Delhi, people living in low-lying areas around the Yamuna River have been evacuated. The river is currently at a very high level. Local authorities also urged people to work from home if possible. Some schools in the affected areas remained closed.

Heavy rainfall, causing severe flooding and landslides, is common in South Asia’s current monsoon season. The monsoon usually lasts from June to September. The damage is often great – houses are washed away, there are always deaths. At the same time, the rain is vital for agriculture, on which a large part of the population lives.

(SDA)

Source: Blick