Flash floods caused by torrential rains have killed more than 280 people in India and Pakistan and left dozens more missing, local authorities said, as rescuers evacuated about 1,600 people from mountainous border areas in neighboring countries, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
The floods began earlier this week in Indian-controlled Kashmir and spread north and northwest into neighboring Pakistan, triggered by sudden torrential rains. The floods and subsequent landslides have injured dozens of people and forced the evacuation and rescue of thousands of others, especially in the Indian state of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Experts believe climate change is a contributing factor to the region's increasing flooding.
Leaders in both countries have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that they will quickly send the necessary assistance.
Pakistan's Disaster Management Agency has issued new warnings for floods starting in glacial lakes in the north of the country, warning travelers to avoid affected areas.