Full Breakdown
Deadly Monsoon Rains Trigger Floods and Landslides Across Northern India and Nepal, Disrupting Travel and Prompting Large-Scale Rescue Efforts
By Drooid · · How we work
The Storm’s Immediate Impact
Heavy rain from a Bay of Bengal monsoon low-pressure system in late September 2026 caused flash floods and landslides in Uttar Pradesh, India, and Nepal’s central trekking regions. Uttar Pradesh recorded 66.5 mm of rain between Sept 25-27, far above the normal 7.6 mm, raising rivers above danger levels, blocking roads and suspending trekking routes in Annapurna, Manaslu, Tsum Valley and Everest areas.
Background & Context
Meteorologists identified the system as a monsoon low that intensified after crossing the Bay of Bengal. Nepal’s disaster authorities had warned of heightened flood risk after the August 26 flash floods that killed more than 1,400 people, and alerts were issued in 49 of the country’s 77 districts.
Data & Statistics
- India (Uttar Pradesh) – Deaths: 56 (Reuters) to 62 (NBC); Injuries: 46; Houses damaged: >1,000.
- India (Odisha) – 75,000 people evacuated.
- Nepal – Deaths: 12-27 across sources; Missing: 5-11; Injured: 5-10; Houses damaged: 194.
- Rainfall – 66.5 mm recorded in Uttar Pradesh (relief commissioner).
- Power outages – Complete loss in Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Baglung districts.
- Hydropower impact – Flood damaged transmission towers of a 40-MW project on the Rahuganga River.
On-the-Ground Reports
Israeli siblings Maya and Nadav Lamdan were stranded in Samagaun, Manaslu region, after overnight landslides. They spent about 12 hours without electricity or heating as temperatures fell below freezing. A helicopter rescue by PassportCard evacuated them and their friends to Kathmandu, where they were examined and found physically healthy.
Official Statements & Responses
- Indian authorities – Relief commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod said rescue operations are underway, crop damage is being assessed and compensation will be provided.
- Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority – Spokesperson Shanti Mahat warned Rasuwa and Nuwakot to remain alert.
- Clal Insurance & Finance – Deputy CEO Dror Zessler said rescue teams are assisting every policyholder in need.
- PassportCard – The emergency operations centre reported helping 40 insured travelers across the affected trekking regions, with four requiring medical evacuation once weather permits.
- Thai interior ministry – Permanent secretary Unsit Sampuntharat noted that over 80,000 residents in flooded areas were unable to leave their homes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Death toll figures vary: Reuters (56 India, 14 Nepal), NBC (62 India, 0 Nepal), Al Jazeera (56 India, 12 Nepal), SANA (70 total, 21 Nepal) and Bluewin (over 100 total, 81 India, 27 Nepal). Injured counts and missing persons figures also differ, reflecting the fluid nature of casualty reporting during ongoing rescue operations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Over 80,000 residents living in flooded areas are unable to leave their homes,” — Unsit Sampuntharat, permanent secretary, Thai interior ministry
- “Clal Insurance & Finance is working alongside all its rescue teams in Nepal to assist every policyholder in need of rescue.” — Dror Zessler, deputy CEO, Clal
- “Since last night, the weather conditions have been very difficult. There is no electricity, and there were rockfalls near us, and our lives were miraculously saved,” — Ynet. Yarin
