Heavy monsoon rains have triggered devastating floods and landslides across India and Sri Lanka since July, claiming more than 100 lives and forcing thousands from their homes, with scientists linking the increasing severity to climate change.

Monsoon-induced flooding and landslides have claimed over 100 lives across India since July, with thousands evacuated from affected areas, according to official data released Wednesday. The annual phenomenon, while essential for agricultural productivity, has become increasingly destructive and unpredictable, with climate scientists attributing the intensification to broader climate change patterns affecting the South Asian region.

India's northeastern state of Assam has experienced the worst impact, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reporting at least 87 deaths. The Sivasagar district has been particularly devastated, recording 47 fatalities as extensive areas remain submerged. Sarma described the destruction as unprecedented in scale, stating that while material losses can eventually be restored, the loss of life is irreplaceable. State authorities have requested public donations to support ongoing relief and rehabilitation initiatives. In the southern state of Kerala, Chief Minister VD Satheesan reported at least 15 confirmed deaths with seven people still missing following days of heavy rainfall that triggered landslides and river flooding. Over 300 relief camps have been established across Kerala, providing shelter to more than 10,000 displaced residents. The Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir has also suffered significantly, with at least 31 deaths recorded according to state media.

Beyond India's borders, Sri Lanka has similarly experienced severe monsoon impacts, with the Disaster Management Centre confirming at least eight deaths since Monday. Approximately 12,000 people have been displaced from their homes in the central region, while the eastern areas simultaneously face a severe drought requiring emergency water transport. The government has attributed these extreme weather events to this year's El Niño phenomenon and has established a ministerial task force to address its impacts, though economic loss estimates remain pending.