Severe downpours in Himalayan regions of India and Nepal have resulted in at least 10 deaths and left around 2,400 tourists stranded in Sikkim, India’s northeastern state, local officials reported.
The heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides, claiming six lives in Sikkim and four in Nepal’s Koshi province.
District magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri stated, “It’s continuously raining since the past 36 hours … we have recovered the dead bodies and they have been handed over to the families.”
The rainfall severely damaged 45 houses, roads, bridges, and infrastructure in the affected areas.
Despite its scenic Himalayan landscapes, Sikkim is susceptible to deadly flash floods and landslides due to its mountainous terrain.
Last year, numerous casualties occurred after a glacial lake burst following heavy rain. Scientists have warned that such extreme weather events will become more frequent and intense due to the climate crisis.
Chettri mentioned that approximately 2,400 tourists are stranded in various tourist spots in Sikkim due to landslides covering roads with debris and damage to some bridges.
“They are stranded but they are safe,” he assured, adding that efforts are being made to accommodate them in hotels until the weather improves.
State disaster response forces are working to clear roads, but the extensive damage may take time to repair.
The Meteorological Department of India forecasted “occasional intense spells of rainfall” to continue over Sikkim.
Nearby West Bengal state has also experienced flooding, with uprooted trees, damaged buildings, and high water levels in the Teesta River.
While the north grapples with heavy rains, India has been enduring an unusually long summer, with parts of Delhi recording record-high temperatures.
Rising temperatures pose risks to poverty alleviation, health, and economic growth, highlighting the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.
Source-CNN
