Heavy monsoon rains and landslides have killed 48 people in Nepal and India in recent days, authorities said on Sunday.
In western Nepal, at least 22 people were killed after mudslides left some 100 houses buried on Friday, a police official told AFP.
Eleven people were injured, three of whom were taken to hospital by military helicopter. “Rescue teams are still searching for a missing person”the official added.
A major rescue operation is underway. Police and military personnel are clearing the rubble and distributing food, tents and clothing.
Across the border, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, heavy rains have killed 26 people since Friday, officials said.
Among the victims are nine workers who were buried after being hit by a collapsed wall in the state capital, Lucknow, according to a government statement.
The annual monsoon is responsible for 70-80% of South Asia’s annual rainfall, but it is also synonymous with death and destruction, with nearly 1,400 people killed in Pakistan in recent weeks.
Precipitation is difficult to predict and varies widely, but Scientists believe that climate change is making monsoons stronger and more erratic..
Source: Observadora
