India: Dozens killed in flooding, landslides
July 23, 2021
At least 36 people have died in landslides and flooding caused by heavy monsoon downpours in western India.
The sudden rainfall prompted the overnight rescue of more than 1,000 people trapped by floodwaters and many stranded on rooftops and buses. Parts of the country received up to 594 mm (23 inches) of rainfall over 24 hours. Three landslides were reported in Raigad district in the western state of Maharashtra, home to India's financial capital Mumbai.
"Dams and rivers are overflowing," Uddhav Thackeray, the head of Maharashtra's state government, told journalists.
"We are forced to release water from dams, and, accordingly, we are moving people residing near the river banks to safer places."
India deploys troops as locals brace for more rain
He added that India's navy and army were helping the evacuation process in coastal areas.
The navy has deployed seven rescue teams equipped with rubber boats, life jackets, and lifebuoys to the affected areas. Specialist Navy divers were set accompany each team and helicopters have also been deployed to airlift the affected residents.
The country's meteorological department has issued red alerts for several regions in the state with heavy rainfall forecasts for the next few days.
Hyderabad, one of India's information technology hubs, received the most rainfall for July in the past decade with 30 centimeters (11.8 inches).
Flooding and landslides are common between June and September during the country's deadly monsoon season. This often results in the collapse of poorly constructed buildings and structures.
Monsoons are growing stronger
According to a report from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) published in April, climate change is making India's monsoons stronger.
The report warned of potentially serious consequences for food, farming, and the economy.
"Since Indian society is overall affected by the monsoon in a very strong way, stronger variability produces problems for agriculture, but also for the organization of public life,” Anders Levermann from PIK and Columbia University said.
In 2020, five of the most extreme weather events in the world were related to Asia's unusually rainy monsoon, according to a tally by the charity Christian Aid.
on/dj (AFP, AP)