Over 200 Dead in India and Nepal Due to Heavy Rain... Severe Damage from Landslides and Flooding

Domestic terminal of Biratnagar Airport in southeastern Nepal flooded due to heavy rain on the 20th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] The death toll from floods in India and Nepal has reached around 200.

On the 21st (local time), the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing Nepalese authorities, that more than 99 people have died due to floods and landslides since the 18th. Local police are conducting search operations for about 40 people reported missing.

Another Nepalese official told AFP that sudden landslides swept away houses, killing six family members, and that 88 people have died in the recent days due to heavy rain. As of the 19th, the local death toll was around 30. This means the number of victims increased by 60 in just a day and a half.

In the eastern Panchthar district bordering India, more than 24 people have died, and dozens of deaths have been reported in the western region as well. In particular, in a village in the western Seti area, about 60 people have been isolated for two days.

In Uttarakhand state in western Nepal, at least 55 people have died due to heavy rain damage. Especially in the Nainital area, which suffered the most damage, about 30 people died in a landslide that occurred on the morning of the 19th. A state disaster management official predicted, "Since 20 tourists who went trekking in the glacier area are missing, the death toll is expected to rise."

In Kerala state in southern India, more than 42 people have died due to rain since the 15th, and in West Bengal state in the east, five people have died.

Authorities are trying to dispatch rescue teams to the area, but it is reported to be difficult due to the heavy rain.