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INDIA: Incessant rains have triggered flash floods and landslides in many parts of north India.
Hundreds have died in the deluge while more people are being evacuated.
Many rivers are flowing above alarming level, forcing thousands to flee their homes.
In 2009, India faced the worst drought in 30 years.
This was attributed to the El Nino effect which created abnormally warm winds.
India is now grappling with La Nina, the reverse of El Nino.
La Nina has given rise to strong rain-bearing winds triggering floods and landslides across the country.
The amount of rainfall in August has surpassed a 10-year record.
It's triggered floods in many parts of India rendering thousands homeless.
In northern Haryana state, monsoon-driven floods have caused widespread destruction.
Overflowing rivers have submerged villages and fertile farmland. The Yamuna River, for instance, has breached the danger level in the state.
Many have taken it upon themselves to embank the river to stop the flow of the raging waters.
"Our village is totally submerged in water and our crops are on the verge of destruction. Almost 15,000 to 20,000 people have been rendered homeless now. Our belongings and everything has been destroyed or damaged in the floods," Haryana resident Rakesh said.
Meanwhile, rainfall in neighbouring Nepal has inundated several low-lying areas in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
At least 13 districts are facing flash floods due to the release of large quantities of water from the dams in Nepal.
In Moradabad district, residents have moved to higher ground.
"The flood situation is very grim here. We have Ranganga and Dhela rivers flowing over here, which have submerged our crops totally destroying them. Some of our houses have also fallen due to the flood," Moradabad resident Rishi Pal said.
More than 200 people have died in Leh - a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir.
A devastating cloudburst earlier this month flattened villages and snapped power and communication links.
Thousands of police, paramilitary and soldiers are taking part in the relief operation.
Reconstruction of homes and roads is also underway.
"We are very scared nowadays. We do not want to go back just now (because) we are scared. We do not know when it will start raining again and (if) we will (be able to) escape again. So we are going to stay here for some more time,"Leh resident Tundu Tangzes said.
In the capital New Delhi, water has entered many houses in the residential areas along the Yamuna River.
Water logging has led to traffic snarls during office hours.
The capital has recorded a total of 617 mm of rainfall during this monsoon season so far, which is much higher than usual.
More rainfall is expected in September as the La Nina effect becomes stronger.
-CNA/wk
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