South Asia floods kill 70 as rivers breach danger marks, power cuts hit Nepal
At least 70 people have died and thousands more displaced in India and Nepal after torrential rains and landslides triggered severe flooding, with authorities warning of further risks as major rivers—including the…
Source: Astro Awani · September 28, 2026 at 10:02 AM · AI-assisted report
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UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA, 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
At least 70 people have died and thousands more displaced in India and Nepal after torrential rains and landslides triggered severe flooding, with authorities warning of further risks as major rivers—including the Ganga, Gandak, and Narmada—surpassed critical water levels.
Market Impact
In India, 56 fatalities and 46 injuries were reported, alongside over 1,000 damaged homes, according to state relief officials. Uttar Pradesh recorded 66.5mm of rainfall between September 25 and 27—nearly nine times the normal 7.6mm for the same period, state relief commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod said. The Central Water Commission identified 30 monitoring stations across seven states showing rivers at or above danger levels, prompting rescue operations and compensation assessments for affected farmers.
Nepal’s death toll reached 14, with 11 others missing after flash floods and landslides struck 49 of its 77 districts. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority warned of high-risk conditions in half of these areas due to rising water levels, while Rasuwa and Nuwakot—already devastated by flooding last month—remained on alert despite not being classified as high-risk zones this time. Power outages affected Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Baglung districts, with restoration efforts underway.
Minister of Water Resources and Energy Biraj Bhakta Shrestha confirmed that a 40-megawatt hydroelectric project on the Rahuganga River sustained structural damage. Telecom disruptions also followed damage to fiber-optic cables and power systems. Separately, 10 local workers were reported missing after an avalanche buried a base camp at the 7,126-meter Himlung Himal peak in Manang district, where they were setting up tents for foreign climbers.
Market and economic impact in Malaysia While Malaysia has no direct exposure to the affected hydroelectric or telecom projects, regional supply chain disruptions—particularly in agriculture and infrastructure—could indirectly influence trade flows. Malaysian commodity traders and exporters, especially in palm oil and rubber, may monitor South Asia’s recovery timelines, though immediate market reactions remain limited.
Bank Negara Malaysia has previously flagged climate-related risks to global supply chains, and the current flooding aligns with seasonal monsoon patterns that could test disaster resilience in the region.
Sector and company specifics No Malaysian-listed firms have direct operational exposure to Nepal’s hydroelectric or telecom sectors, though conglomerates with regional investments may face indirect risks. Genting Group, which operates hydroelectric assets in Southeast Asia, has historically diversified its energy portfolio to mitigate climate risks, but extreme weather events could still strain operational continuity in neighboring markets.
Outlook India’s meteorological department has forecast continued heavy rainfall, raising concerns of prolonged flooding. Nepal’s disaster management authority has urged preparedness, particularly in high-risk districts. While the immediate humanitarian toll is severe, long-term economic assessments will hinge on recovery timelines for infrastructure and agriculture. Malaysian policymakers and businesses may observe the situation as a case study in climate adaptation, though direct financial or operational impacts on domestic markets remain minimal.
Related: Central Water Commission · Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod · Uttar Pradesh, India