Monsoon Floods Kill 76, Leave Dozens Missing Nepal, India Himalayan Regions

Severe monsoon rains have caused devastating flash floods and landslides across the Himalayan region, notably along the Bhotekoshi River on the Nepal-China border, resulting in at least seven deaths and dozens missing. The floods destroyed the critical Friendship Bridge connecting Nepal and China, halting cross-border trade and leaving hundreds stranded, with rescue operations underway despite challenging conditions. In Nepal, 18 people are missing, including Nepali citizens, Chinese workers involved in infrastructure projects, and police officers, while China reports additional missing persons on its side. Similar disasters have struck northern India's Himalayan states, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where heavy rains have killed at least 69 people over the past two weeks and prompted military involvement in relief efforts. Experts and organizations like ICIMOD and the UN's World Meteorological Organization warn that climate change is intensifying these water-related disasters by increasing the frequency and severity of extreme rainfall events. These incidents highlight the growing vulnerability of Himalayan communities to climate-induced hazards during the monsoon season, which spans from June to September.