Disaster authorities in India report at least 27 people have died in floods and landslides in the northern state of Uttarakhand.
According to the National Emergency Response Centre (NERC), as of 19 October 2021 heavy rain had caused a number of landslide incidents in the districts of Pauri Garhwal, Chamoli, Nainital, Almora, Champawat, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar. Flooding has also been reported and a total of 13 districts affected by the heavy rain.
NERC said 27 people have died in landslides in Pauri Garhwal (3), Nainital (18), Almora (3) and Champawat (3), while 8 people are still missing.
Over 600 people have been rescued or evacuated by teams from National (NDFR) and State Disaster Response Forces as well as police and military including Indian Air Force helicopters. Several roads including the Rishikesh–Badrinath National Highway (NH-58) in Chamoli Districts have been blocked.
In a 24 hour period to 19 October, Mukteshwar village in Nainital district recorded 341 mm of rain and Pantnagar town in Udham Singh Nagar district recorded 404 mm. India’s Central Water Commission reports the Alaknanda and Sarda rivers are flowing above the danger mark.
Parts of the neighbouring country of Nepal have also seen heavy rain over recent days, causing deadly landslides and floods across several districts.
Meanwhile in southwestern India, the death toll from the ongoing flooding and landslides in the state of Kerala has increased. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 42 people have died and 6 are missing as a result of heavy rains, floods and landslides in the state between 12 October and 20 October.
