Severe floods and torrential landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have killed at least 56 people in India and 14 in Nepal with authorities in both nations warning on Sunday of continuing flash flood risks.
In India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh record rainfall between September 25 and 27 reached 66.5 mm nearly nine times the seasonal average. Relief Commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod confirmed 56 fatalities, 46 injuries and damage to over 1,000 homes. India's Central Water Commission reported that 30 river-monitoring stations across seven states are in a "severe situation" with major rivers like the Ganga, Kosi and Narmada overflowing above danger levels.
In Nepal the authorities issued flash flood warnings for 49 of the country's 77 districts as river levels continue to rise. Flooding along the Rahuganga River severely damaged a 40-megawatt hydropower project while damaged power lines and optical fibers cut off electricity and telecommunications in districts including Manang and Mustang.
Adding to Nepal's crisis 10 local workers are missing after an avalanche struck the base camp of the 7,126-meter Himlung Himal peak in Manang district. The workers were pitching tents for foreign climbers who were absent during the slide.
Emergency crews in both countries are carrying out rescue operations in waterlogged regions also distributing emergency relief and assessing agricultural losses.
