Landslides and Floods Kill 63 in Nepal and India

Heavy downpours have triggered landslides and floods in Nepal and neighboring India, claiming at least 63 lives and stranding hundreds, as rescue teams battle to reach isolated mountain communities.

In Nepal, torrential rains since Friday have swollen rivers and caused widespread inundation, killing 43 people and leaving five missing, according to Shanti Mahat of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

The eastern Ilam district, bordering India, saw the deadliest toll with 37 landslide fatalities. "Heavy overnight rains caused the landslides," said district official Sunita Nepal. "Blocked roads make some areas hard to access; rescuers are going on foot."

Kathmandu's rivers overflowed, flooding bankside settlements. Security forces deployed helicopters and motorboats for rescues. Vegetable seller Rajan Khadga, 38, said, "Some damage, but prior flood alerts let us save belongings."

Landslides blocked highways and grounded flights, stranding hundreds returning from Dashain festival. Prime Minister Sushila Karki declared Sunday and Monday holidays, urging non-essential travel avoidance, and affirmed, "Your safety is our utmost concern."

In India, at least 20 died in West Bengal's Darjeeling hills from flash floods and landslides after overnight rains destroyed homes and infrastructure. Lawmaker Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, "Over 20 lives lost in the cyclone's wake; hills cut off, roads destroyed."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pain over the losses, stating, "The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored."

Monsoon rains (June-September) wreak annual havoc in South Asia, but climate change has intensified their frequency and severity, per experts. The Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development warned in June of heightened risks this season: "Rising temperatures and extreme rain raise the threat of floods, landslides, and debris flows."

Rescue operations continue amid blocked access, with the toll likely to rise.