The United Arab Emirates has expressed its heartfelt condolences and solidarity with Nepal following the heavy rainfall that caused significant flooding and landslides, resulting in numerous fatalities and substantial damage. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement conveying sincere condolences and support to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Nepal in this tragic time.
More than 70 individuals have lost their lives in Nepal and nearby mountainous regions in India due to severe rainfall that commenced earlier this week, triggering landslides and flooding in the area. According to the Press Trust of India, citing a military official, at least 52 fatalities were reported across various locations in eastern Nepal, where water levels in eight rivers have surpassed danger thresholds. The National Disaster Management Authority of India reported that the death toll in West Bengal, which shares a border with Nepal, has risen to 24, as per Bloomberg news reports.
Search and rescue operations continue in the popular Indian hill station of Darjeeling, where the National Disaster Management Authority has noted that several individuals remain unaccounted for, with the potential for the casualty count to increase. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared on X platform that the torrential rains have caused the collapse of two iron bridges and significant damage to several roads, advising tourists to remain in place until they can be evacuated safely. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentioned on X that the situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing all possible assistance to those affected.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, Tropical Storm Priscilla formed in the Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of Mexico, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to coastal regions. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Priscilla’s maximum sustained winds reached 75 miles per hour, positioning the storm approximately 290 miles south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes and moving north-northwest at a speed of 3 miles per hour. The center warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds impacting the southwestern Mexican coastline, with the potential for flash flooding. High waves generated by Priscilla are affecting parts of the coastline in the area and will reach some coastal regions in western and central Mexico, as well as southern Baja California.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for part of the southwestern Mexican coastline, from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita, with the possibility of tropical storm conditions in the region. Rainfall accumulation reaching up to 15 centimeters is anticipated in parts of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco states. Another storm further out at sea, named Octave, has intensified into a hurricane; however, no landfall is expected, and no coastal alerts have been issued. The hurricane has maximum sustained winds of about 80 miles per hour, and the hurricane center forecasts it to gradually weaken.