Monsoons in Southeast Nations Bring Both Joy and Devastation, Wrecking Lives with Floods
Image Credits: The Borgen Project
Massive floods have struck swathes of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh in recent days, having a devastating impact on millions of lives in the region.
Numerous rescue teams are on their way under the guidance of authorities to provide shelter, food, and supplies to stranded families.
Major and long-running rivers like the Brahmaputra and the Koshi, which flow through many countries, have overflowed due to heavy rains in the region.
Floods and landslides are common in South Asian countries during the monsoon season when they receive up to 90% of their annual rainfall. However, authorities have stated that the situation has worsened in recent years due to climate change.
Nearly 14 people have died in Nepal, with key highways blocked and some bridges swept away by swollen rivers.
Authorities have stated that about 40 people have passed away during this year’s monsoon. They have urged residents in the southeastern regions, especially in India and Nepal, to stay home because the Koshi River, which flows through both countries, is above the danger level.
“This is not new for us, but the timing is wrong. The flooding triggered by heavy rains started early this year, in July. The water level has reached up to our knees. If the rainfall continues the same way, we will have to run for our lives” Kathmandu resident Rajkumar Bk told Reuters.
In the Indian state of Assam, about 2.4 million people have been affected by floods, with 66 deaths since mid-May. There is a high possibility of more rain, as water levels in the Brahmaputra are expected to increase in the coming days.
Farms and vast roads have been submerged along the banks of the Brahmaputra, which flows through parts of India and Bangladesh. Television footage has shown villagers salvaging their belongings and leaving their homes by boat, with some bridges and roads washed away, disconnecting remote villages.
More rain is expected, with significant flooding impacting infrastructure and wildlife, including Kaziranga National Park. Kaziranga, home to nearly 2,200 one-horned rhinos, has seen the deaths of four rhinos and scores of deer and other animals due to the flooding.
In Bangladesh, authorities have reported that nearly two million people have been affected by floods, with eight deaths.
“We live with floods here. But this year, the water was very high. In three days, the Brahmaputra rose by 6 to 8 feet (2 to 2.5 meters), We are trying to deliver food, especially rice and edible oil. But there is a drinking water crisis” Abdul Gafur, a local Councilor, told AFP.
The UN’s World Meteorological Organisation predicts “above normal” rainfall for the South Asian monsoon season, lasting until September.
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