Devastating floods and landslides in Nepal have claimed at least 148 lives, with dozens still missing as rescue efforts intensify.
At a Glance
- Floods and landslides have resulted in 148 deaths and 42 people missing
- Large areas of eastern and central Nepal inundated since Friday
- 111 people have sustained injuries in flood-related incidents
- Search and rescue operations ongoing, with all security agencies mobilized
- The Nepal Army has airlifted 162 individuals and rescued approximately 4,000 people
Unprecedented Destruction
Nepal is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding and landslides that have devastated large parts of the country. The disaster, which began on Friday, has inundated eastern and central Nepal, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. As of Sunday, the death toll has risen to at least 148, with 42 people still unaccounted for.
The scale of the disaster is unprecedented, with eyewitnesses reporting flooding in the Kathmandu Valley unlike anything seen in decades. The Bagmati River, Kathmandu’s main waterway, is flowing above danger levels, further exacerbating the crisis. Climate and environmental experts have expressed shock at the extent of the flooding, highlighting the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and management.
Torrential rains across Nepal have triggered floods and landslides, leaving 148 dead and 59 missing, with rescue efforts ongoing https://t.co/4V1jhjCZRs pic.twitter.com/PLTe2PCDFI
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) September 29, 2024
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
Search and rescue operations are in full swing, with all security agencies mobilized to aid those affected by the disaster. The Nepal Army has been at the forefront of these efforts, airlifting 162 individuals to safety and rescuing approximately 4,000 people from flood-ravaged areas. However, the sheer scale of the disaster is testing the limits of emergency services.
“Additionally, 111 people have sustained injuries in flood-related incidents, as stated by Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson Rishiram Pokharel.”
Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by extensive damage to infrastructure. Landslides have blocked national highways, leaving hundreds stranded and cutting off Kathmandu from the rest of the country. At least 322 houses and 16 bridges across Nepal have been damaged, further complicating relief efforts. Authorities are working tirelessly to clear obstructed highways, with some progress made on the Tribhuvan Highway.
Tragic Incidents
The floods and landslides have led to several tragic incidents across the country. In the Dhading district, at least 19 people lost their lives when a bus was buried in a landslide. Another five individuals perished when a house collapsed under a landslide in Bhaktapur. In a particularly heart-wrenching incident, six football players were killed by a landslide at a training center in Makwanpur.
“Eyewitnesses have reported unprecedented flooding in the Kathmandu Valley, with some stating they have never seen such devastation in 40-45 years.”
The government has taken the drastic step of closing schools and colleges across Nepal for the next three days as the nation grapples with this unprecedented crisis. Relief efforts are underway, with food grains and other essential supplies being distributed to those rescued. In the Balkhu area on the outskirts of Kathmandu, meals were provided to 400 individuals, highlighting the immediate humanitarian response to the disaster.
Climate Change and Future Preparedness
Experts point to climate change and unplanned construction on floodplains as significant factors in the increasing impact of floods in Nepal. The current disaster was exacerbated by a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal and an unusually positioned monsoon trough, leading to intense rainfall. As Nepal faces the reality of more frequent and severe weather events, there is a growing call for improved disaster preparedness and sustainable development practices to mitigate future tragedies.
As rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the damage becomes clear, the people of Nepal face a long road to recovery. The international community’s support will be crucial in helping this nation rebuild and prepare for future challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
