56 killed in Indian flood

Heavy rains, rising river levels and flash floods have worsened flooding and landslide conditions in several states in northern and eastern India. Flooding, landslides and waterlogging have disrupted normal life in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, northern West Bengal, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Uttar Pradesh has reported the highest number of deaths, with 56 people killed and 46 injured in the disasters over the past few days.

According to data from the Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner’s Office, the state received an average of 66.5 millimetres of rainfall over the past 48 hours, compared with the normal average of 7.6 millimetres. This means rainfall was around 775 percent above normal. More than 1,000 houses have been damaged by rain, storms and waterlogging, while 107 animal deaths have also been reported. Sitapur recorded the highest number of deaths, with seven people killed. Five people each died in Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich and Balrampur, while four each were killed in Ayodhya and Gorakhpur.

Bihar has also been hit by flooding as the water level of the Gandak River continues to rise. Heavy rainfall in Nepal has increased the river’s flow, inundating low-lying areas of West Champaran. Large volumes of water released from the Valmikinagar Barrage entered several villages along the border. Residents in various areas have been evacuated to safer locations.

In Sikkim, the areas of Rimbi and Singlitam in West Sikkim are among the most vulnerable due to repeated landslides and flash floods. According to the administration, at least 32 houses and four government facilities have been damaged by landslides and flash floods in Rimbi. Residents have been evacuated from vulnerable areas and moved to relief camps. The local administration has also expressed concern about ensuring that Rimbi remains safe and habitable.

Northern West Bengal is also facing the threat of flooding as water flows down from the mountains of Sikkim and Bhutan. The Teesta, Torsa and Jaldhaka river basins are at risk of flooding. Landslides in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong have disrupted road communication, according to reports. Local administrations remain on alert amid fears that water could enter low-lying areas.

In Odisha, heavy rains have affected more than 73,000 people across 10 districts. More than 40,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations to deal with the situation. According to government figures, people in 80 blocks, 325 gram panchayats, 1,071 villages and 49 wards have been affected by the disaster. A total of 721 houses have been partially or completely damaged, while around 4,480 hectares of farmland have been affected.

Heavy rains have also caused flooding and waterlogging in various parts of Chhattisgarh. In Kondagaon, a 40-year-old farmer drowned while trying to catch fish in a flooded paddy field. Schools were closed and scheduled examinations at government schools were postponed in eight districts—Dantewada, Bijapur, Kondagaon, Kanker, Bastar, Gariaband, Dhamtari and Durg—due to flooding and adverse weather conditions.

Members of the National Disaster Response Force and state disaster response teams are conducting rescue and relief operations in several states. Safe shelter, food and drinking water are being provided in affected areas, while people are being evacuated from vulnerable settlements. According to weather department forecasts, more rain is expected in several hilly and adjoining areas, prompting authorities to remain on alert.