Nepal has experienced torrential rainfall since Friday, causing rivers to overflow and inundating many settlements. Officials reported that at least 44 people have died and five are missing due to rain-related disasters. The eastern district of Illam was hit hardest, with 37 deaths caused by landslides, local authorities said.

“Heavy overnight rains caused landslides, blocking many roads and making rescue operations challenging,” said Sunita Nepal, a district official. Security forces have deployed helicopters and motorboats to aid affected communities, while residents along rivers in Kathmandu were evacuated to safer areas.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki assured that government agencies were “fully prepared for rescue and relief” and declared public holidays to prevent unnecessary travel.

Across the border in India, at least 20 people died in Darjeeling, West Bengal, after flash floods and landslides destroyed homes and infrastructure. Videos on Indian news channels showed rescue teams using cables to reach stranded residents. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the deaths and said the situation was being closely monitored.

India’s meteorological department issued a red alert for extreme rainfall in sub-Himalayan areas, including Darjeeling, until Monday. The Indian army also joined rescue operations in Bhutan, evacuating residents stranded in border towns such as Phuentsholing.

Experts warn that climate change is intensifying such disasters, increasing the frequency and severity of floods and landslides across South Asia. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development had warned this monsoon season of heightened disaster risks due to rising temperatures and extreme rainfall.

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In the northern hill states, heavy downpours caused multiple landslides, blocking key highways and isolating villages. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reported significant damage to houses and farmland, with rescue teams deployed to shift people from high-risk areas. Officials warned that the saturated slopes could give way to more landslides in the coming days.

Meanwhile, in urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, persistent rainfall inundated major roads, choking traffic and forcing the closure of schools in several districts. Residents waded through knee-deep water as municipal authorities struggled to pump out floodwater from low-lying areas. Public transport services were badly hit, with buses diverted and trains running behind schedule.

States such as Assam and Bihar also reported swelling rivers, raising fears of fresh flooding in vulnerable zones. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts in multiple regions, urging citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

The continuous downpour has sparked concerns over crop damage, particularly paddy and maize, which are at a critical growth stage. Farmers have appealed for urgent government assistance, fearing heavy financial losses.

Disaster response forces remain on high alert, with state administrations promising swift relief and rehabilitation measures. However, experts warn that urban flooding and unchecked hill construction are making India increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events.

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