At least 34 dead in India's northeast after heavy floods

Photo by Biju BORO / AFP

At least 34 people have died in India's northeastern region after heavy floods caused landslides over the last four days, authorities and media said on Monday, and the weather department predicted more heavy rain.

More than 1,000 tourists trapped in the Himalayan state of Sikkim were being evacuated on Monday, a government statement said, and army rescue teams were pressed into service in Meghalaya state to rescue more than 500 people stranded in flooded areas.

In neighbouring Bangladesh, at least four members of a family were killed in a landslide in the northeastern district of Sylhet, while hundreds of shelters have been opened across the hilly districts of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari on Sunday.

Authorities have warned of further landslides and flash floods, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert.

India's northeast and Bangladesh are prone to torrential rains that set off deadly landslides and flash floods, affecting millions of people every year.

Roads and houses in Assam's Silchar city were flooded, visuals from news agency ANI showed, and fallen trees littered the roads.

More from International news

News

  • UAE launches annual award to honour changemakers

    The UAE Year Of Award has been launched to honour individuals and institutions who create meaningful impact and strengthen a culture of community action to make each annual "UAE Year Of" theme into a lasting national legacy.

  • UAE welcomes Gaza agreement for Hamas disarmament

    The UAE has welcomed an agreement announced by US President Donald Trump for Hamas to disarm and Israeli troops to withdraw in Gaza, calling it a significant milestone towards ending the conflict.

  • Sheikh Abdullah meets UK Foreign Secretary in London

    Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and boost cooperation across key sectors during talks with UK Foreign Secretary in London.