South Asia’s devastating monsoon leaves hundreds dead since June

NEW DELHI: Torrential storms lashing South Asia have killed hundreds of people and displaced thousands since June, official data showed Tuesday, with flooding and landslides causing widespread devastation during the treacherous monsoon season.

Weather-related disasters are common during the monsoon season from June to September, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity.

The deaths include at least 250 in India, 171 in Nepal and 178 in Pakistan, according to official data in each country.

In India, just months after the country baked in its longest-ever heatwave, according to government weather experts, ferocious rainstorms have triggered widespread flooding and landslides.

The crushing heatwave in May and June saw temperatures in New Delhi match the capital’s previous record high: 49.2C (120.5F) clocked in 2022.

Now the heat has been replaced by rains.

India’s weather department this week warned of “heavy rainfall” over much of the south and northeastern states.