Nearly 100 people have lost their lives since Wednesday as heavy rains and storms battered parts of India and Nepal. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a multi-hazard warning on Wednesday, forecasting heatwaves in the western regions of India and thunderstorms across the eastern and central parts of the country.
In India’s eastern state of Bihar, at least 64 people have died due to rain-related incidents, according to disaster management officials. The situation in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, has also been dire, with local media reporting over 20 fatalities. In neighboring Nepal, lightning strikes and torrential rain have claimed at least eight lives, officials from the National Disaster Authority stated.
The IMD has predicted continued heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over central and eastern India until Saturday, exacerbating the ongoing crisis. While the monsoon season typically begins in June, India has seen unusually hot and severe weather this year, with the IMD forecasting a hotter-than-usual April across most of the country.
This devastating weather event highlights the unpredictable nature of the region’s climate and the need for robust disaster preparedness in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Melissa Enoch
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