A deadly wave of unseasonal heavy rain and lightning has swept through parts of India and Nepal since Wednesday, leaving more than 100 people dead and communities reeling from the sudden onslaught. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued warnings for multiple weather hazards, including thunderstorms and gusty winds in eastern and central India, but the scale of the devastation has caught many off guard. Typically associated with the monsoon season starting in June, such torrential downpours are rare this early in the year.
In India’s eastern state of Bihar, the disaster management department reported a staggering 82 fatalities over the past two days, attributing the deaths to rain-related incidents such as flash floods and collapsing structures. The state, known for its vulnerability to flooding, has seen villages inundated and infrastructure crippled, with rescue operations underway to assist stranded residents.
Further north, Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, recorded 18 deaths caused by lightning strikes and storm-related accidents. Farmers and outdoor workers, caught unaware by the sudden storms, were among the victims. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during adverse weather, but the unpredictability of the conditions has made safety measures challenging.
Across the border in Nepal, the National Disaster Authority confirmed at least eight deaths due to lightning and heavy rainfall. Mountainous regions, already prone to landslides, face heightened risks as rivers swell and roads become impassable. Relief efforts are being hampered by the rugged terrain, with emergency teams struggling to reach remote villages.
The IMD forecasts more rain, thunderstorms, and lightning across central and eastern India through Monday, raising concerns about further casualties and damage. This unseasonal weather follows a recent IMD alert predicting hotter-than-normal temperatures for April, compounding fears of erratic climate patterns. Just last week, the agency warned of intense heatwaves, which have claimed lives in recent summers.
As communities mourn, questions arise about preparedness for such extreme weather. Climate experts point to shifting patterns, urging governments to bolster early warning systems and infrastructure resilience. For now, India and Nepal brace for more rain, hoping to mitigate the toll of this unexpected calamity. Relief operations continue, but the road to recovery promises to be long and arduous.
