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South Asia floods: What's happening?

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An aerial view shows flooded fields near Janakpur, Nepal.Image source, Getty Images
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This view from the air shows flooding near Janakpur in Nepal

Heavy rain is still falling in South Asia, where this year's monsoon season has caused massive flooding, affecting millions of people.

Every year, the rainy season or monsoon season can cause floods during June - September.

But this time the floods in the area are the worst they've been in many years.

Governments and aid agencies are working to bring clean water, food, shelter and medical aid to people affected as tens of thousands of homes, schools and hospitals have been destroyed.

Nepali residents use a stick to help each other cross a flooded area in the Birgunj Parsa district of the country.Image source, AFP
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Rescue operations are underway and residents are helping each other cross flooded areas

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) called the South Asian floods one of the worst regional humanitarian crises in years.

It's thought that over 1,200 people have sadly died.

Emergency services, charities and the United Nations are trying to help those affected.

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What's happening and where?

Indian flood effected villagers collect drinking water and relief food at Alal village in Malda district in the Indian state of West Bengal on August 23, 2017. More than 750 people have died in floods across South Asia, officials said August 21.Image source, DIPTENDU DUTTA/AFP/Getty Images
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Indian villagers collect water and food supplies

Millions of people have had to leave their homes in India, Bangladesh and Nepal over the last fortnight.

The UN say about 40 million people have been affected by the flooding in South East Asia.

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How are people helping?

Indian villagers queue for foodImage source, DIPTENDU DUTTA/AFP/Getty Images
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Indian villagers queue for food provided by relief and rescue operations

It's thought that 18,000 schools have been damaged, which means over a million children are unable to get to school.

Temporary shelters are being built, including spaces where children can gain access to food, school books and playtime areas away from the floods.

An aircraft is seen parked on the flooded apron of Biratnagar's domestic airport after heavy rains in Biratnagar, some 240km from Nepal's capital Kathmandu, on August 12, 2017.Image source, AFP/Getty Images
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In Nepal, this airplane was grounded

Transport has also been affected. Sections of main roads and bridges have been washed away, making it harder for help to reach affected areas.

Charities say they are doing all they can to get clean water, food and other essential supplies to those in need and relief camps have been set up.