Heavy rains and floods have wreaked havoc across India, with Mumbai experiencing severe waterlogging and disruptions, Ayodhya facing rising river levels, and Assam grappling with its worst floods in years. Several states are under red and orange alerts, with authorities urging people to stay vigilant.
Heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread devastation across South Asia, with at least 14 deaths reported in Nepal due to flash floods and landslides. Flooding in India and Bangladesh has also impacted millions, highlighting the increasing risks associated with climate change and infrastructure development.
Torrential rainfall has caused widespread flooding in eastern India, with Assam bearing the brunt. Over 24.5 lakh people are affected in 30 districts of Assam, where major rivers are overflowing. Bihar is also grappling with rising water levels in several rivers due to heavy rain. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan are experiencing heavy rainfall and landslides.
Floods in Bangladesh have tragically claimed eight lives and affected over two million people. Heavy rains have caused major rivers to burst their banks, leading to widespread displacement and devastation. The floods have also resulted in electrocutions and a boat capsizing, highlighting the dangerous conditions. Authorities are working to provide relief and shelter to those impacted, but the situation is expected to worsen in the coming days.
The southwest monsoon has arrived in India earlier than expected, providing much-needed relief to areas experiencing heatwaves and floods. The timely entry of the monsoon is crucial for the country’s agriculture-dependent economy, boosting farm incomes and consumer demand. With above-normal rainfall predicted, the monsoon season holds the potential to mitigate food inflation and support economic growth.
Cyclone ‘Remal’ has left a trail of destruction in Mizoram, claiming 27 lives and causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with the State Disaster Response Force working alongside local authorities. Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced an allocation of 15 crore from the State Disaster Relief Fund and ex-gratia payments for the deceased. Electricity and water supply have been disrupted due to damaged lines and pumps. The cyclone has also weakened and is now crossing Shillong and Jowai in Meghalaya. The Mizoram government has closed all offices and public sector units except those providing essential services and disaster management. Over 50 families have been relocated due to flooding, while around 150 houses have been demolished and roads blocked.
In the wake of increasing water pollution, droughts, and floods, experts will gather at the European Union’s Green Week event in Brussels to discuss the urgent need for water resilience. Hosted by Euronews science correspondent Jeremy Wilks, the debate will delve into critical issues including water quality, tensions between various water users, innovative solutions, and the role of nature and business in safeguarding our water resources. The expert panel will address the challenges and opportunities in shaping a sustainable water future, seeking to inspire collective action and drive policy change.
Afghanistan is reeling from devastating flash floods that have killed nearly 315 people and injured over 1,600. The floods have also caused widespread damage to homes, livestock, and infrastructure. The northern Baghlan province was one of the hardest hit, with over 300 people killed there alone. Aid agencies have warned of a widening humanitarian crisis as people struggle to cope with the aftermath of the floods.
Kenya has postponed the planned reopening of schools after heavy rains and floods have killed more than 200 people. President William Ruto cited the possibility of Cyclone Hidaya hitting the coastal areas and the rising water levels of dams and reservoirs. Schools will remain closed until the government announces new reopening dates. The floods have also displaced over 150,000 people, with some living in schools. The government has ordered people living near 178 dams and reservoirs to evacuate. The flooding has also affected neighboring countries such as Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
Cyclone Hidaya is poised to strike Kenya and Tanzania, exacerbating the devastation caused by torrential rains in East Africa. Both nations have suffered tragic losses in the weeks leading up to the storm, with Kenya’s flooding claiming over 188 lives and displacing 165,000 people, while in Tanzania, floods and landslides have taken at least 155 lives. Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, awaits intense rainfall, strong winds, and ocean swells, while the Maasai Mara tourism industry has suffered with over 100 tourists stranded. Internationally, travel alerts have been issued by the US and UK. Global leaders have offered condolences and support amid the unfolding tragedy, which has been intensified by the El Niño phenomenon’s disruptions to global weather patterns.
