NEW DELHI: Torrential storms lashing South Asia have killed hundreds of people since June, official data showed Tuesday, with flooding and landslides causing widespread devastation during the treacherous monsoon season.
Weather-related disasters are common during the monsoon season from June to September, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity.
The deaths include at least 250 in India, 178 in Pakistan, and 171 in Nepal, according to official data in each country.
In India, just months after the country baked in its longest-ever heatwave, according to government weather experts, ferocious rainstorms have triggered widespread flooding and landslides.
The crushing heatwave in May and June saw temperatures in New Delhi match the capital’s previous record high: 49.2C (120.5F) clocked in 2022.
Now the heat has been replaced by rains.
Monsoon death toll nears 1,800 in South Asia
India’s weather department this week warned of “heavy rainfall” over much of the south and northeastern states.
On Tuesday, rescue teams searched for two missing people after nine drowned when a surge of water smashed through the Una district of Himachal Pradesh state.
Witnesses saw a car being swept away like a toy by the swollen muddy river.
“Several people tried to stop the car…as the current was increasing but the car sped past and soon the car was swept away by the strong current,” Rajendra Kumar said.
Floods in deserts
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