Over 60 dead as heavy rains batter parts of India, causing widespread flooding

Published September 2, 2024
Indian soldiers help people cross a stream in Wayanad using a rope on September 2. — Anadolu
Indian soldiers help people cross a stream in Wayanad using a rope on September 2. — Anadolu

Indian officials reported on Monday that more than 60 people have died across three states due to severe flooding caused by heavy rains over the past several days.

The states affected include Gujarat in the west and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the south. Gujarat has reported the highest number of fatalities, with over 45 deaths. Telangana has seen nine deaths, while Andhra Pradesh has reported 10.

The Indian Army has been deployed in Gujarat, where floods have devastated large areas since August 27. Troops with specialised equipment are working around the clock to assist with rescue operations.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu vowed to expedite relief efforts and encouraged affected residents to remain resilient. “I wish the affected people to be brave,” he said.

In Telangana, CM Revanth Reddy announced a financial assistance package of 500,000 Indian Rupees (nearly $5,960) to the families of those who died due to the floods.

Reddy also urged the federal government to classify the disaster as a “national calamity”.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi extended his condolences to the victims’ families and called on Congress leaders and workers to mobilise resources for relief and rescue efforts.

“I urge Congress leaders and workers to mobilise all available resources to support the ongoing relief and rescue efforts,” Gandhi wrote on X.

Opinion

Editorial

Pakistan’s moment
Updated 20 Jun, 2026

Pakistan’s moment

Pakistan’s diplomats are second to none, and if these states seek to engage this country constructively, a new modus vivendi for the subcontinent can be reached.
Menacing water plans
20 Jun, 2026

Menacing water plans

IN April last year, India suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, which contains no provision allowing it to...
World Refugee Day
20 Jun, 2026

World Refugee Day

WORLD Refugee Day, observed today around the globe, marks 75 years since the adoption of the 1951 convention ...
Digital deal
19 Jun, 2026

Digital deal

THINGS have moved rapidly where the Iran-US memorandum of understanding is concerned. While the physical document ...
Failing the public
19 Jun, 2026

Failing the public

WHETHER it is Sindh’s struggle to secure clean drinking water or Balochistan’s difficulty in improving the...
Crushed lives
19 Jun, 2026

Crushed lives

COURTS and commissions have often been up in arms over the health and ecological hazards associated with...