Heavy rains in India have caused landslides that are now blocking hundreds of trucks carrying essential supplies to the violence-hit state of Manipur. The devastating rain has resulted in the deaths of at least 84 people. Authorities attribute the ongoing heavy rainfalls to climate change and excessive construction in the mountainous Himalayan region. Neighboring countries Pakistan and Nepal have also experienced frequent flash floods and landslides.
Part of a highway near Imphal, the capital of Manipur, has been engulfed in rocks and mud due to the landslides, leaving around 400 trucks stranded. However, continuous rainfall is making it difficult to clear the road and restore access.
Manipur is already trying to recover from deadly ethnic violence that occurred in May, killing 180 people and displacing tens of thousands. In another region, Himachal Pradesh, several structures collapsed this week due to landslides, resulting in the deaths of at least 68 people and leaving 15 missing. The chief minister of Himachal Pradesh blamed uncontrolled construction and improper structural design for the destruction.
In Uttarakhand, a neighboring state, 16 people have also died due to landslides this week, with 15 still missing. Weather officials have reported that heavy monsoon showers since June have exceeded the normal rainfall levels by 45% in Himachal Pradesh and 18% in Uttarakhand. Last month alone, Himachal Pradesh registered 88 deaths in rain-related incidents, while Uttarakhand saw 74 deaths since June as a result of natural disasters.