2019 South Asia floods

In mid-July 2019, monsoonal downpours caused widespread flooding and landslides across South Asia. As of 14 July, at least 89 people died across Bangladesh, China, India, and Nepal. Hardest-hit is Nepal, where at least 55 deaths occurred.

2019 South Asia floods

Date	12 July 2019 – ongoing
Location	Bangladesh China India Nepal
Cause	Monsoon
Deaths	89+
Non-fatal injuries	28
Missing	70

Bangladesh

Heavy rains battered Bangladesh since early July, with the monthly rainfall in Cox's Bazar reaching 585 mm (23.0 in) by July 14.[1] Throughout the Chittagong Division, 200 villages flooded affecting an estimated 500,000 people.[2] Hundreds of makeshift tents collapsed in the Kutupalong and Nayapara refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. At least two children drowned in floods and 40,000 families were affected in the camps.[3][4] Lightning killed at least 12 people, mostly rural farmers, on 13 July.[3]

China

Heavy rains in Guilin flooded the city; 300 people required rescue. Door-to-door searches were conducted in Xingping Town.[5]

India

In Assam, flooding along the Himalayan border with Nepal killed at least 14 people and affected approximately 1.5 million people.[3][2] The Brahmaputra River overtopped its banks in numerous locations, flooding 1,800 villages.[5] The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) stated on 16 July 2019 that flooding had affected 32 of the state's 33 districts, affecting 4.496 million people across 4,620 villages. The ASDMA stated that 19 people had died due to the flooding, including two people killed by landslides, and that over 101,000 people had taken refuge at 226 relief camps and 562 relief distribution centre had been established. Over 90% of Kaziranga National Park was flooded forcing animals to escape to the hills of Karbi Anglong district. Divisional Forest Officer Rohini B. Saikia stated that two one-horned rhinos and one elephant had drowned in the floods. Thirty animals were rescued and taken to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation for treatment.[6]

At least six people died in Arunachal.[3]

Nepal

Heavy rains began on 12 July, causing flooding and landslides across Nepal. Rivers quickly eroded embankments and flooded nearby communities, notably along the Karnali, Mohana, Kandra Kanda, and Khutiya rivers. The Koshi river swelled to dangerous levels, threatening the community of Chilaiya.[7] During the overnight of 13–14 July, all 56 gates along the Koshi Barrage were opened, releasing water at 10,505 m³ (371,000 ft³) per second.[2] Numerous landslides blocked roads, leaving communities cut off and vehicles stranded.[7] At least 55 people died and 30 others were reported missing. Thirty-three people were treated for injuries. Adverse weather conditions and damaged infrastructure hampered rescue efforts.[2]

At least 1,100 people were rescued and an estimated 10,000 have been displaced from their homes.[5] Nepal police deployed 27,380 personnel nationwide.[8]

References

1. "Monsoon kills dozens in Nepal, India and Bangladesh". BBC. July 14, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
2. "Floods across subcontinent displace millions in India, Nepal and Bangladesh". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. July 14, 2019.
3. Binaj Gurubacharya (14 July 2019). "Heavy rain leaves scores dead in Nepal, India, Bangladesh". ABC News. Associated Press. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
4. Rebecca Wright and Salman Saeed (July 12, 2019). "Monsoon floods sweep through world's biggest refugee camp". CNN. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
5. "Nepal: At least 50 people die in landslides and flooding after monsoon rains". Sky News. 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
6. "Assam flood: 2 rhinos drown in Kaziranga, human toll 19". The Hindu. 16 July 2019. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
7. "Heavy rains leave people at risk of floods and landslides". The Kathmandu Post. ReliefWeb. 12 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
8. "43 Dead, 24 Missing In Floods, Landslides In Nepal". NDTV. July 14, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2019.