Massive flash flood hits Indian tourist region
Flash floods and landslides have left a trail of destruction in northern India . Media showed muddy waters pouring into a ravine in the tourist region of Dharali, sweeping away buildings. Dharali is located in the foothills of the Himalayas.
The Indian army dispatched rescue teams to the affected area in the state of Uttarakhand, bordering Nepal. Local authorities confirmed the deaths of several people. Numerous people were still missing, they said.
The flash flood was caused by sudden and heavy rain, reported Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The weather service had previously issued a severe weather warning.
In India, floods and mudslides are not uncommon during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. The rain is important for flora and agriculture, but can also repeatedly pose a threat to human life. Experts believe that climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of floods and landslides.
wa/haz (dpa, afp)
dw
