Severe Storms Have Caused Widespread Flooding Across Asia
Heavy rains and flooding left dozens dead and displaced thousands across India, Nepal, and Pakistan this week.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Severe Weather
Severe weather systems across South Asia resulted in 62 deaths in Uttar Pradesh and 21 fatalities in Nepal. Meanwhile, flooding in Odisha forced the evacuation of 75,000 residents as storms disrupted aviation in Pakistan.
Why it matters
A combination of a weather system over the Bay of Bengal and a westerly wave over Pakistan has caused widespread destruction. The flooding has damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted major regional transportation networks.
Heavy flooding in Uttar Pradesh left 62 people dead, 46 injured, and damaged more than 1,000 homes. Additionally, 75,000 people were forced to evacuate in Odisha, while 33 millimeters of rain fell in Saidpur.
The players
Uttar Pradesh
This is a northern Indian state that serves as the site of mass casualties following heavy rain and flooding.
Odisha
This is an Indian state located on the Bay of Bengal that is managing a massive displacement of 75,000 residents.
Nepal
This landlocked country in South Asia reported 21 weather-related deaths between Thursday and Sunday.
The details
Rescue teams are actively working to move residents from flooded neighborhoods to safer ground following the collapse of infrastructure and school closures in Lucknow. Thunderstorms in Islamabad have also caused significant disruptions, forcing flights from Paris and Jeddah to divert to airports in Multan and Peshawar.
Timeline
Between Thursday and Sunday, 21 people died in Nepal due to weather incidents.
On Monday, flooding was reported and storms diverted flights in Islamabad.
A westerly wave is expected to persist over Pakistan for the next 24 hours.
Seasonal Patterns
This regional weather event follows a pattern set by the 2026 Bay of Bengal monsoon system, which historically drives extreme precipitation across Northern India and neighboring countries. The current storm activity reflects recurring seasonal shifts that increase flood risks for the region.
Residents in flood-affected zones should follow all local government guidance and evacuation orders to ensure physical safety. Travelers in Pakistan should monitor flight status closely as thunderstorms continue to force diversions to secondary airports.
The takeaway
Severe regional flooding highlights the critical need for robust infrastructure capable of handling sudden, intense weather systems. Individuals in monsoon-prone areas should maintain emergency kits and stay informed through local meteorological services.
What happens next
Thunderstorms are forecast to continue across northern and central Pakistan as the westerly wave persists for the next 24 hours.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing meteorological events, visit the Severe Weather section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arab News PK.
