Europe, China, and now India... Dozens Dead Due to Flood Disasters

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] Following Europe and China, the western region of India has also experienced flooding and landslides, resulting in dozens of casualties.

According to Indian media on the 23rd, a landslide occurred in the Raigad district of Maharashtra state in western India, claiming the lives of 36 residents. The landslides happened in three locations the previous day. Authorities reported discovering 32 bodies at one site and found an additional 4 bodies at another. Officials believe the death toll will rise as some people remain unrescued. Local media also reported that landslides occurred in nearby Palghar and Ratnagiri districts, with about 7 people confirmed dead.

Since the 22nd, heavy rain has been falling in Maharashtra. Rainfall in some areas reached 594mm within 24 hours. Local media reported that this is the first time in 40 years that such heavy rain has fallen in July.

In Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, more than four people died due to building collapses. Roads throughout the metropolitan area were flooded, and outer roads were also cut off. In the city of Chiplun, water levels rose up to 3.5 meters.

Authorities have deployed rescue teams including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), as well as military personnel from the navy and air force. Rescue operations are underway using helicopters and boats to search for and assist isolated residents.

However, heavy rain is expected to continue for several more days, and the damage is anticipated to increase.

Earlier, Europe experienced a once-in-a-century downpour on the 14th and 15th, causing significant casualties in countries such as Germany and Belgium. In Germany, the death toll from the floods exceeded 170. Belgium also reported 32 deaths. In Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, over 617mm of rain fell over three days starting on the 17th, resulting in more than 50 deaths.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.