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Indonesia’s Java Island: Tragic Flash Floods And Landslides Triggered, 16 Dead, 9 Missing

January 21, 2025, 1:41 pm

In a tragic event, Indonesian rescuers have recovered at least 16 bodies following flash floods and landslides that struck hilly villages in Central Java’s Pekalongan regency. Torrential rains on Monday led to rivers overflowing, sweeping away homes and causing mud, rocks, and trees to tumble down mountainsides, devastating several villages. The worst-hit village, Petungkriyono, has been the focus of rescue operations as officials continue their search for survivors.

The local Disaster Management Agency reported that 16 bodies had been pulled from the debris by Tuesday, but nine villagers remain unaccounted for. In addition, ten people who were injured managed to escape the flooding and landslides and have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue teams are working around the clock, aided by local residents, in the hope of finding the missing villagers and providing aid to those affected.

Indonesia is no stranger to seasonal floods and landslides, particularly during the rainy season, which lasts from October to March. The archipelago, made up of over 17,000 islands, is home to millions of people living in mountainous areas or near fertile floodplains. The frequent occurrence of natural disasters in these areas poses ongoing challenges for both local communities and disaster management authorities.

Torrential Rains Cause Landslides, Killing 10 in Southeast Brazil

January 13, 2025, 7:47 am

Torrential rains triggered deadly landslides in southeast Brazil, resulting in at least 10 fatalities, according to rescue teams in Minas Gerais state on Sunday. The city of Ipatinga experienced 80 millimeters (3.1 inches) of rain in just one hour on Saturday night. As a result, nine people lost their lives, reported the mayor’s office. Notably, firefighters recovered the body of an eight-year-old boy from a collapsed house.

Landslide Devastates Bethania Neighborhood

Meanwhile, another landslide hit the Bethania neighborhood, sweeping away everything in its path. Houses were buried under the mud, and images from the scene showed rubble poking up from the debris.

Missing Person and Rescue Efforts

By Sunday evening, one person remained missing in the area. However, four other family members were rescued. Additionally, a body was found in the nearby town of Santana do Paraiso.

Solidarity from the Governor

In response, Minas Gerais state governor Romeu Zema shared a message of “solidarity with the victims” on social media, expressing his support during this difficult time.

Brazil Faces Multiple Weather Disasters

This disaster is part of a larger trend of extreme weather in Brazil. Earlier this year, floods caused by record-breaking rainfall killed more than 180 people in the south. Furthermore, the country has been battling a historic drought, worsened by climate change, which led to the worst wildfires in 17 years, ravaging vast parts of the Amazon rainforest.

Torrential Rains In Indonesia Trigger Deadly Landslides And Floods, 7 Still Missing

November 26, 2024, 11:18 am

Rescue teams in Indonesia are continuing efforts to locate seven people still missing after torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides in North Sumatra province, killing 15 individuals, officials said on Tuesday.

The disaster, which began on Saturday, claimed 11 lives in landslides across Karo, Padang Lawas, and Tapanuli Selatan districts. Another four fatalities occurred due to flash flooding in Deli Serdang district, according to Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the disaster management agency.

More than 100 rescue workers, along with police and military personnel, are involved in the search operation. However, persistent rainfall has posed significant challenges to their efforts. “The rain continues from afternoon until evening, hampering our ability to locate the missing individuals,” Abdul stated. He added that the search would continue through Saturday despite the difficulties.

The disaster left extensive damage in its wake, destroying houses, mosques, and rice fields. Road access to several villages has been cut off, with excavators deployed to clear debris and aid in the search for victims.

Authorities have issued warnings for residents in North Sumatra to prepare for additional flooding, as more heavy rainfall is forecast in the coming weeks.

Indonesia, an archipelago prone to natural disasters, frequently experiences landslides during its rainy season. Deforestation and illegal mining activities in remote areas further exacerbate the risks, heightening the vulnerability of affected communities.

The disaster agency urged vigilance as rescue teams continue their work under challenging conditions.

Tragedy Strikes Indonesia: Flash Floods And Landslides Claim 16 Lives, Dozens Missing

November 25, 2024, 4:55 pm

Rescue teams in Indonesia have recovered 16 bodies and are continuing their search for missing individuals after flash floods and landslides struck villages in North Sumatra over the weekend. Torrential rain caused rivers to overflow, triggering massive mudslides that swept through four mountainous districts in the province. Authorities confirmed that six people are still missing.

The deadly floods and landslides, which took place in several areas including the Semangat Gunung resort in Karo district, washed away homes and destroyed farmlands. Local police, soldiers, and rescue workers, aided by excavators and farm equipment, have been working tirelessly to search for victims amid the rubble.

The worst-hit area was a resort town in Karo district, where six bodies were recovered after a landslide buried two houses and a cottage late Sunday. In South Tapanuli district, flash floods swept away at least 10 homes and left about 150 buildings damaged. Two bodies were pulled from the river, and several people were reported injured.

The flash floods also took lives in Deli Serdang and Padang Lawas districts. In Harang Julu village, a landslide killed four members of a family, including two children. Rescuers managed to extract survivors from the village, where families gathered in grief as the mud-covered bodies of victims were recovered.

This disaster highlights the annual risk of flooding and landslides that Indonesia faces between October and March, especially in mountainous regions. Last year, similar weather events caused the deaths of 12 people, and several remain missing. The affected regions, including Lake Toba, a popular tourist destination, are prone to natural disasters due to their geography and the dense population living in vulnerable areas.

Watch Japan Faces Catastrophe: Record Rains Triggers Floods And Landslides In Ishikawa

September 21, 2024, 2:53 pm

Japanese authorities have ordered the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents in Ishikawa on Saturday, as the region faces “unprecedented” rainfall leading to severe flooding and landslides.

By 11:00 am (0200 GMT), a dozen rivers had overflowed their banks, according to land ministry official Masaru Kojima. Reports indicate that three people are missing in Ishikawa, with two swept away by strong currents. Additionally, one person is missing in nearby Wajima, where rescue teams are verifying reports of another individual unaccounted for.

Devastating floods hit Wajima City, Ishikawa, Japan due to intense rainfall.

Emergency services on scene. Residents urged to seek higher ground.

Stay safe, Japan! #JapanFloods #WajimaCity #Ishikawa #HeavyRain #FloodAlert pic.twitter.com/XpZe2WqMfb

— Facts Prime (@factsprime35) September 21, 2024

Heavy rainfall has inundated numerous buildings and blocked roads due to landslides, prompting evacuation orders for approximately 44,700 residents in Wajima, Suzu, and Noto. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its highest-level warning for Ishikawa, describing the situation as life-threatening and advising residents to prioritize their safety immediately.

Wajima recorded over 120 millimeters (4.7 inches) of rain per hour, marking the heaviest downpour since 1929. Footage from NHK showed entire streets submerged in water. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed the government to prioritize disaster management and rescue efforts, with Self-Defense Forces deployed to assist.

In addition, around 16,700 residents in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures have also been ordered to evacuate. By Saturday afternoon, approximately 6,600 households were without electricity, and communication services were disrupted in affected areas.

The region is still recovering from a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day that resulted in 236 fatalities. Experts have noted that climate change is exacerbating the risk of heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding across Japan.

Viral Video: Gujaratis Play Garba On Uttarakhand Road While Stuck During Landslide

September 17, 2024, 11:43 am

A group of Gujaratis, stranded in Uttarakhand due to a landslide, turned their misfortune into a moment of joy by dancing garba on a scenic road. The lively performance, captured on video, has since gone viral across social media platforms, garnering thousands of views and heartwarming reactions.

Stuck Due to Landslide

On September 14, heavy rainfall triggered a landslide in Uttarakhand, leading to a massive 8-10 km traffic jam on the route to Gangotri. Among those affected was Viraj, who shared his experience with HT.com. “It had been raining for three days straight, and landslides were predicted. As I was heading toward Gangotri, we encountered the jam caused by the landslide,” he said.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Currently stuck somewhere in Uttarakhand due to some landslide & a random group of Gujjus thought playing Garba is the best that they can do

??? pic.twitter.com/psvbj1bWOn

— Viraj Gorasia (@virajux) September 14, 2024

Making the Most of Their Time

Faced with the possibility of a six-to-ten-hour wait for the roads to clear, the group of Gujaratis decided to make the most of the situation. “A group of Gujaratis thought that playing garba was the best way to pass the time,” Viraj explained. Soon, others, including Viraj’s parents, joined in, creating an impromptu dance party on the road.

A Celebration of Culture

For about an hour, the stranded group danced to traditional garba tunes, bringing a slice of Gujarati culture to the mountains of Uttarakhand. Afterward, the group shared snacks, including theplas and khakhras, making the wait more bearable. Viraj described the experience as “funny and beautiful,” adding, “Random Gujaratis in a remote village united to make the best of their time.”

Viral Moment on Social Media

Viraj shared a video of the spontaneous garba performance on X (formerly Twitter), where it quickly went viral. The video has been met with amused comments, with one user calling it “Navratri ki taiyari (Navratri prep),” while others lauded the upbeat spirit of Gujaratis, saying, “Gujjus are the best people I have known.”

Despite the challenges posed by the landslide, the group found a way to lift their spirits, demonstrating resilience and a joyful celebration of their culture.

Manipur: Boy Killed, 2 Injured Due To Wall Collapse After Landslide

August 13, 2024, 11:39 am

In a heartbreaking incident in Ukhrul district of Manipur, a minor boy has lost his life and two other children were injured after a wall collapsed due to a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on Monday.

The accident occurred around 4:05 p.m. in the Hamleikhong area. Reports indicate that the wall collapse resulted in significant damage, with a 9-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl both suffering injuries. They were promptly transported to a nearby hospital where they received initial medical treatment.

Unfortunately, the minor boy, who was also caught in the wall collapse, succumbed to his injuries.

The state’s weather report highlighted that Ukhrul experienced 15.6 mm of rainfall between Sunday and Monday, which likely contributed to the landslide.

This incident mirrors a similar tragedy from July 29, where heavy rainfall caused a mudslide that resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a two-year-old child, in Dimthanlong village, Tamenglong district.

Tragic Landslides In Wayanad: Heartbreaking Stories Of Loss And Survival

August 1, 2024, 9:32 pm

The recent landslides in Wayanad have left a trail of destruction, claiming over 250 lives and leaving many more missing. Families are grappling with unimaginable loss, searching for their loved ones and trying to rebuild their lives. Survivors share their poignant stories, highlighting the resilience of those affected by this tragedy.

A Night Next to a Tusker

Sujata, an elderly woman, recounted the terrifying night she spent with her grandchild after escaping their collapsing house. Fleeing to a nearby hill on the edge of the forest, they found themselves standing next to a wild elephant.

“We barely escaped from our toppling house,” Sujata told PTI. “We ran to a nearby hill at the edge of the forest. Once we reached there, we realized that we were standing next to a tusker.”

She spoke to the elephant, pleading for safety: “Told him (the elephant) that we lost everything and asked him not to attack us. We spent the entire night next to him.”

Loss of Home and Livelihood

Sirajudeen and his family witnessed boulders and trees crushing their home and livelihood. Their autorickshaw, crucial for their daily earnings, was destroyed.

Ganesh, a security guard from Chooralmala, described the moments leading up to the landslide. “As I reached home, I saw muddy water and woke up my wife who was sleeping. I didn’t waste a single second. We left the house and went to a nearby hilltop,” he said, recalling the urgency of their escape.

Ganesh’s voice filled with grief as he recounted losing his sister, her family, and their home. “As the water rose, we ran to the hilltop. We saw my sister’s house being washed away in the first landslide. The second landslide took away my house too.”

A Father’s Desperate Search

Amid the chaos, a father searches desperately for his missing 14-year-old daughter, Anamika, who was staying at her grandmother’s house during the landslide. With tears in his eyes, he said, “My youngest daughter is missing. Unless I can identify her, I will not believe that she is gone. I will consider that she has gone to some faraway place for higher studies.”

The disaster has affected families across the region, with over 25 children among the deceased. As rescue operations continue, the death toll is expected to rise, deepening the heartache for the people of Wayanad.

Wayanad Landslides: Two Odisha Doctors Missing After Vacation Trip To Wayanad

July 31, 2024, 3:51 pm

Two doctors from Odisha, Dr. Bishnu Rasad Chinhara and Dr. Swadhin Panda, have been reported missing in Kerala following severe landslides in the Wayanad district. The doctors, who had traveled to Kerala for a vacation with their wives, are unaccounted for amid the devastation that has left at least 158 people dead in the region.

According to officials, the situation is dire as heavy rains triggered landslides in areas including Meppadi and Chooral Mala hill. The landslides on the night of July 29 severely impacted local infrastructure, leading to widespread flooding.

Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, confirmed that the Special Relief Commissioner of Odisha is coordinating with Kerala’s counterpart. The search for the missing doctors is ongoing, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and sniffer dogs deployed to aid in the rescue operations.

Dr. Chinhara and Dr. Panda had checked into the Linora Villa hotel in Wayanad on July 29. While their wives have been located and are receiving treatment, the two doctors remain missing. Dr. Chinhara’s father, Amar Prasad Chinhara, reported that he last spoke to his son on the night they arrived at the hotel. Dr. Panda’s wife, Swikruti, is currently in critical condition and is being treated in a hospital.

“We are hopeful that Dr. Chinhara and Dr. Panda will be found soon and reunited with their families. Efforts are in full swing to locate them,” Pujari said.

The ongoing natural disaster has significantly impacted travel and rescue operations in the affected areas. Authorities are working diligently to manage the situation and provide assistance to those affected.

Watch: Dramatic Landslide Devastates Road Near Bengaluru-Mangaluru Highway

July 31, 2024, 2:30 pm

The Karnataka coast continues to be battered by intense rainfall, severely disrupting daily life and bringing vehicular movement to a standstill. A significant landslide near Harle estate in Sakleshpur, Hassan district, has exacerbated the situation, impacting several nearby villages. This landslide, occurring on the night of July 29, destroyed a critical section of an alternative route to the Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

#Landslide occurred on the Mangaluru – Bengaluru NH 75 near Shiradi ghat at Doddathappale, Sakleshpura taluka in #Karnataka #KarnatakaRains

Large chunks of a hillock fell on vehicles travelling on the road. The vehicular movement has been badly affected
https://t.co/wfm5GrCM2z https://t.co/U5I0t94mRV pic.twitter.com/b65yXaqii6

— Karnataka Weather (@Bnglrweatherman) July 30, 2024

Social media has been flooded with images and videos of the destruction. One video shows part of the road collapsing and disappearing. “Large chunks of a hillock fell on vehicles traveling on the road. The vehicular movement has been badly affected,” an X user reported.

WATCH:

Hats off to the heroes who are working day and night to restore train services between Mangaluru and Bengaluru due to the landslide between Yedakumeri and Kadagaravalli! ?
Thank you, @DrmMys madam and the entire team,for your great efforts to restore the train services!@SWRRLY pic.twitter.com/gSVuxqTtF2

— Dakshina Kannada District Railway Users (@dkdistrictrail) July 29, 2024

The Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway has faced multiple landslips in recent weeks, causing significant chaos and disrupting the flow of vehicles and goods in the region. A major landslide at Shiradi Ghat near Doddathople in Sakleshpur has caused severe disruptions on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway.

In this recent incident, a landslide occurred on the Shiradi Ghat section of National Highway 75, involving a car, lorry, and gas tanker. The collapse resulted in a complete halt of vehicle movement and extensive roadblocks. While no fatalities have been reported, minor injuries are suspected.

The landslide is also expected to delay train services between Bengaluru and Mangaluru by up to 15 days. The railway tracks between Edakumeri and Kadagaralli along the Shiradi Ghat have been severely damaged, leading to train cancellations and reroutes. Repair work is underway, but officials estimate it will take about 15 days to fully restore the tracks. The road obstruction necessitates the use of train wagons to transport repair equipment, with two engines hauling wagons filled with rocks and materials. Over 750 workers are manually moving supplies to the damaged area.

Emergency officials are on-site, working to clear the debris. However, traffic disruptions are anticipated to last for approximately six hours.

Rahul Gandhi: ‘Will Request Union Ministers…’ Supports Wayanad Landslide Victims

July 30, 2024, 9:55 am

Former Wayanad MP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences on Tuesday over the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, which have left several people trapped and missing.

“I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon,” Gandhi wrote in a post on X.

I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon.

I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024

Gandhi has assured that he will seek Union ministers’ assistance to support Wayanad in this crisis. He has also been in contact with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Wayanad District Collector, emphasizing the need for coordinated rescue efforts.

“I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts…I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad,” Gandhi added.

He urged all UDF workers to support the administration in the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

The landslides, which occurred around 3:49 am on Tuesday, have claimed at least 19 lives, with hundreds still feared trapped. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) reported that 250 personnel from fire and rescue, civil defense, the NDRF, and local emergency response teams are engaged in the rescue operations. An additional NDRF team and two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps have been dispatched to Wayanad to assist.

Two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH, have been deployed to support the rescue efforts.

Chief Minister Vijayan’s office released a statement affirming that state ministers will oversee the coordinated operations in the affected district. The state health department has established a control room and provided emergency contact numbers: 9656938689 and 8086010833 for those in need of assistance.

Rain Causes Landslides and Flooding In 4 States

July 26, 2024, 5:08 pm

Heavy rains prompted landslides and flash floods in four states on Thursday, disrupting daily life and prompting officials to send in the army and disaster response forces to rescue hundreds of stranded people as the number of rain-related events rose.

The incessant rainfall also had an impact on infrastructure in Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand, inundating houses, blocking key highways, damaging structures, and causing waterlogging on arterial roads, with the weather department warning of more rain, according to people familiar with the situation.

The Pune district, which had 109mm of rainfall in 24 hours compared to the average of 10.4mm for this period, reported at least four deaths as storms overwhelmed low-lying residential complexes and prompted landslides in the Western Ghats.

“As of now, four deaths have been reported, of which three were due to electrocution and one due to a landslide. In addition, three people are reported to be trapped in Lavasa city after a mudslide. Our teams are deployed there, and rescue operations are going on,’’ said District Collector Suhas Diwse.

Residents in the district said that civic apathy exacerbated the problem and resulted in flood of their areas. “A bridge is being built in the area, and debris is left unattended.” As a result, water altered its flow and reached our neighborhood,” claimed Amit Deshmukh, a resident.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assessed the rescue activities in Pune and promised residents that the government will provide aid.

“Keeping a tab on the heavy rainfall situation in and around Pune… Also instructed the officials to provide all assistance to the citizens. We are monitoring the entire situation and I would like to assure everyone that the state govt is working around the clock to provide help in all aspects,” Ajit Pawar said wrote on X. He further stated that army troops, in addition to National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, had been sent to assist with the rescue efforts.

“Additional Army columns have also been kept on standby, prepared to be deployed at short notice as the situation develops. Southern Command of the Indian Army is closely monitoring the situation in close coordination with the civil administration and other government agencies,” stated the army in a statement.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a’red alert’—the most severe—for the next 24 hours, resulting in the closure of schools and institutions in Pune on Friday.

Heavy rainfall also caused major waterlogging in Mumbai and disrupted aviation operations, causing numerous flights to be cancelled and diverted.

Raigad and Palghar districts in Maharashtra were also on high alert as many rivers, including Kundalika, rose over the danger line, interrupting communication networks, authorities said, adding that one person died in Alibag city.

Chief minister Eknath Shinde stated “I also spoke with Army and Navy officials, and they have kept their units ready for any situation. We have prepared to airlift the people during the rescue operations. I have ordered the district administration in flood-affected areas to use funds from district planning and development funds,” he said.

Deadly Twin Landslides In Ethiopia Claim Over 100 Lives

July 23, 2024, 4:32 pm

The death toll from two devastating landslides in southern Ethiopia has climbed to over 100, with officials warning that the number may rise further. The disasters struck in the remote Gofa zone, with the initial landslide triggered by heavy rains occurring on Monday. This was followed by a second landslide that hit rescuers who had gathered to assist the victims.

As of Tuesday, at least 157 bodies have been recovered from two villages in the affected area, according to Markos Melese, the zonal head of the national disaster response agency in Gofa. The search efforts are ongoing, with many bodies still believed to be buried under the debris. Reports vary slightly, with AFP citing at least 146 dead, while The Associated Press updated the figure from 55 to 157.

District administrator Misikir Mitiku explained that the tragedy initially involved three families who were buried by the landslide. The situation worsened as those who came to help also became trapped. “We need earth-moving machines to aid in the recovery,” Mitiku said, highlighting the immense challenge faced by rescuers.

Gofa, part of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR), is situated about 320 kilometers southwest of the capital, Addis Ababa. The second landslide struck mere minutes after the first, compounding the disaster. Kemal Hashi Mohamoud, a local parliamentarian, reported that efforts are underway to provide shelter and food to the affected communities.

Local administrator Dagmawi Ayele confirmed that the victims include children and pregnant women. Images from the scene, shared by Fana Broadcasting Corporate, depict hundreds of people digging through the red earth with their bare hands, emphasizing the scale of the devastation.

This region has been hit hard by seasonal rains, leading to flooding and significant displacement. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), floods earlier this year impacted over 19,000 people, displacing many and causing extensive damage.

The Southern Nations region has seen landslides before, including a 2018 incident that claimed 32 lives. The current disaster comes amid a backdrop of severe drought in other parts of Ethiopia, which has exacerbated food insecurity and malnutrition among millions across the country.

Tibet Floods And Landslides Strand Hundreds In Rainy Deluge

July 10, 2024, 2:07 pm

Heavy rain in mountainous rural Tibet has left hundreds of people stranded, Chinese state media reported Wednesday. According to CCTV, at least 472 residents and tourists were trapped outside of Chentang Township in the Shigatse region at an altitude of 8133 metres above sea level.

Harsh weather is now assaulting China this summer: northern regions are scorched by relentless extreme heat, while the south is soaked by unusually heavy rains that cause deadly floods and landslides. Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, or climate change, power these weather patterns, with China being the world’s greatest emitter.

According to CCTV, continuous rain since Saturday has caused huge destruction to the roads of Tibet. Township area of Chentang has power and communication disrupted. Video footage from the broadcaster depicted muddy water cascading down rocky slopes as well as groups of people trying to cross damaged roads.

For the past four days of rescue efforts, 342 stranded people have been relocated to nearby urban centers. Over 130 tourists, migrant workers, and merchants are still temporarily stranded, said CCTV, adding travel by road is completely blocked, there is bad weather, and the physical conditions do not permit outbound long journeys.

Added to this, an emergency communications network has been established in the presence of the affected area, reported CCTV.

Monsoon Havoc: Nepal Grapple With Deadly Floods And Landslides Causing 50 Deaths

July 7, 2024, 2:50 pm

Intense rain in Nepal has caused severe landslides and flash floods, leading to at least 11 fatalities and extensive damage to roads and buildings in the last 36 hours. Officials say eight people are missing, probably swept away in floods or buried in landslides, and 12 others are injured and receiving medical care. Rescue teams are working to reopen blocked roads using large machinery.

In southeastern Nepal, the Koshi River has risen above its danger mark, raising concerns about possible flooding downstream in Bihar, India. The river’s flow has surged to 369,000 cubic feet per second, far exceeding its usual 150,000 cusecs. To control this high-water volume, officials have opened all 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage.

In Kathmandu, multiple rivers have spilled over, causing floods that have submerged streets and homes. Images from local media show people wading through waist-high water and bailing out flooded houses with buckets. Since mid-June, the ongoing monsoon season has resulted in approximately 50 fatalities across Nepal due to landslides, floods, and lightning strikes.

The northeastern Indian state of Assam is also experiencing severe floods, resulting in many deaths and displacing thousands of residents. These events highlight the recurring difficulties Nepal and parts of India face each monsoon season, with frequent landslides and flash floods due to the hilly landscape and intense rainfall. Authorities are closely watching river levels and advising residents to stay alert amid ongoing rescue operations and relief work.

Devastating Landslides In West Nepal Claim Lives Amid Ongoing Monsoon Season

June 29, 2024, 6:46 pm

Heavy monsoon rains in west Nepal have caused landslides, killing at least nine people, including three children, an official said on Saturday. This is part of a series of monsoon-related disasters that have claimed at least 35 lives across Nepal since mid-June, due to landslides, floods, and lightning strikes.

One tragic incident happened in Malika village, Gulmi district, about 250 km west of Kathmandu. A landslide hit a house while a family of five, including two children, were asleep, resulting in their deaths. Dizan Bhattarai, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Rescue and Reduction Management Authority, confirmed that all five bodies have been recovered.

In another incident in Syangja district, a woman and her three-year-old daughter died when a landslide swept away their house. In nearby Baglung district, two more people were killed by a landslide.

These events show how dangerous the annual monsoon rains can be in Nepal. The rains, which last from mid-June to mid-September, often cause landslides and flash floods, especially in the mountainous areas. Every year, these disasters lead to hundreds of deaths and significant property damage.

Besides the recent deaths in Gulmi, Syangja, and Baglung districts, other areas in Nepal have also faced similar disasters. In Taplejung, a landslide killed four family members and injured two others, highlighting the widespread danger.

The ongoing monsoon season continues to threaten life and property in Nepal, with more landslides and floods likely as the rains continue. The National Disaster Rescue and Reduction Management Authority is actively involved in rescue and recovery efforts during these difficult times.

Cloudburst Leads To Landslides, Flood-Like Situation In Itanagar

June 23, 2024, 3:03 pm

A cloudburst on Sunday morning caused multiple landslides and led to a flood-like situation in Itanagar, according to officials.

Despite heavy rains in Arunachal Pradesh over recent weeks, officials reported an improvement in the weather over the past two days. Additionally, there were no predictions of rain for Sunday, according to the officials.

Following a cloudburst around 10:30 am, landslides occurred in various parts of Itanagar and nearby areas, accompanied by flooding along several stretches of NH-415, according to an official from the Disaster Management Department. Numerous vehicles were stranded on this vital highway, crucial for the state capital’s connectivity.

The district administration issued advisories urging people to avoid rivers and areas prone to landslides. With heavy rains continuing, residents were advised to relocate to safer locations. Additionally, the district administration has established seven relief camps for those affected.

Sikkim: Nine Killed, 1,200 Tourists Stranded In Sikkim Landslides Over Three Days

June 14, 2024, 10:25 pm

Nine fatalities have occurred over the past three days in Sikkim due to two landslides, Chief Secretary Vijay Bhushan Pathak confirmed on Friday. He stated that three individuals lost their lives in a landslide in Namchi district, while six perished in another landslide in Mangan district that occurred on the nights of June 12 and 13.

Nine people die, over 1,200 tourists stranded during last three days due to landslides: Sikkim chief secretary

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/vxfiEiUWP7 #Sikkim #Landslides #VijayBhushanPathak pic.twitter.com/utJjbwkosz

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) June 14, 2024

Pathak further informed that approximately 1,200-1,400 tourists are currently stranded in Mangan district due to disrupted road communication caused by the landslides. The restoration of road connectivity is estimated to take between five to seven days. In response to the situation, the Sikkim government has swiftly requisitioned Air Force helicopters to facilitate the evacuation of stranded tourists as soon as weather conditions permit safe flying.

Regarding relief efforts, Pathak assured that gratuitous relief is being provided to the families of the deceased. Medical treatment is also underway for those severely injured in the incidents.

The Chief Secretary emphasized the state’s proactive measures to address the aftermath of the landslides, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of affected individuals.

Himachal rains: NH-5 blocked in Shimla and Kinnaur districts following landslides

July 28, 2023, 11:47 am

Landslides caused by heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh have blocked sections of National Highway-5 at Broni Nallah and Khaneri in the Shimla district and Kaksthal in the Kinnaur district, according to officials. Images of the blocked sections of the highway in two Himachal districts were shared by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Heavy rainstorms in the Shimla district earlier on Wednesday prevented travel on the National Highway in the Jeori and Broni Nallah areas close to Jhakri.

On Tuesday, several houses were damaged after a cloudburst in Kullu’s Panchnala.
Deputy Commissioner, Kullu, Ashutosh Garg said a total of five houses were completely damaged in the cloudburst.
“Five houses were completely damaged and 15 partially damaged in the cloudburst. The Bhuntar-Gadsa Maniyar road was also damaged. Two bridges were also swept away in the cloudburst,” he said.

Previously, landslides in the area had caused National Highway-5 to be blocked at three locations in the Shimla and Kinnaur districts. Landslides at Nog Kenchi near Kumarsain, Broni Nallah near Jhakri Village in the Shimla district, and near Nigulsari Village in the Kinnaur district reportedly blocked the National Highway-5. Earlier on Sunday, the Shimla district’s roadblocks were updated on Twitter by the Himachal Pradesh Traffic, Tourist, and Railways Police.

HP Traffic, Tourist and Railways Police tweeted that the NH 705 Theog-Hatkoti road was closed at Bagra due to a landslide, as well as the Kotkhai-Baghi and Fagu-Kot darbar roads. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert on June 22 and predicted that eight districts in Himachal Pradesh would experience heavy rainfall.