Nepal is reeling from one of its worst natural disasters in recent years, as severe floods and landslides have claimed at least 148 lives, with dozens still missing. Torrential rains over two days have wreaked havoc across the Himalayan nation, inundating the capital Kathmandu and surrounding areas, while rescue teams work tirelessly to reach those still stranded.
A Nation in Crisis: Thousands Rescued, Hundreds Still at Risk
Police reports indicate that more than 3,600 people have been rescued so far, but the situation remains dire. As of Sunday, over 50 people were still missing, feared to have been swept away by floodwaters or trapped under landslides. Rescue crews, using helicopters and inflatable rafts, are continuing operations, but challenges remain with blocked roads and damaged infrastructure slowing the response.
Eyewitnesses describe harrowing scenes, with residents having to jump from roof to roof to escape rising waters that have engulfed thousands of homes. Even as some residents returned to their mud-caked houses on Sunday, others remained stranded, with entire communities cut off due to blocked roads and continued flooding.
Despite the forecast for more rain until Tuesday, there were signs of slight improvement as rainfall eased in some areas. Still, officials warn that the death toll could rise further, particularly in the hardest-hit areas where landslides have buried vehicles and homes.
The Deadly Toll of Landslides
Among the many tragedies reported, the Prithvi Highway, one of Nepal’s most crucial roadways, has seen significant destruction. At least 35 bodies were recovered from vehicles buried under landslides along this major highway. The road, which connects Kathmandu to the rest of the country, remains blocked in several locations, hampering both rescue efforts and the delivery of essential supplies.
In Bhaktapur, east of Kathmandu, a landslide claimed the lives of five people, including a pregnant woman and a four-year-old girl. In another incident, two bodies were pulled from a bus buried by a landslide in Dhading, west of the capital. These are just a few examples of the widespread devastation caused by the landslides triggered by intense rainfall.
In a particularly tragic incident, six football players training at a centre in Makwanpur, southwest of Kathmandu, were killed when a landslide hit their facility. These tragedies highlight the indiscriminate nature of the disaster, affecting both urban and rural communities.
Floodwaters Devastate the Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu, the bustling heart of Nepal, has not been spared. The Nakkhu River in the southern part of the valley saw several people swept away by its rising waters. In a heart-wrenching account, an eyewitness described how four people were carried away by the raging river, with onlookers helplessly watching the tragedy unfold.
The scale of the flooding in the valley has shocked many residents, some of whom have experienced flooding in previous monsoon seasons but have never seen it on this scale. Many homes were completely submerged, forcing residents to cut through their roofs and jump to neighbouring buildings to escape.
For others, like truck driver Hari Om Malla, the floodwaters took everything. His truck was submerged, and he barely escaped with his life, losing all his possessions to the rushing waters. “We stayed the whole night in the cold,” he recalled, illustrating the desperate situation facing many in the region.
Government and International Response
In response to the disaster, the Nepalese government has mobilised over 10,000 police officers, as well as members of the army and local volunteers, to assist with search and rescue efforts. The government has also advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, and has banned night driving in the Kathmandu valley to reduce the risk of further accidents.
The impact of the flooding has also been felt in air travel, with many domestic flights delayed or cancelled over the weekend. The government continues to urge people to remain cautious, with warnings about further potential landslides and flash floods as the monsoon rains persist.
International bodies, including aid organisations, are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to provide further assistance as needed. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, but the scale of the disaster means it will take time to reach all those affected.
The Role of Climate Change: A Growing Threat
While monsoon season in Nepal regularly brings floods and landslides, experts are pointing to the increasing intensity of rainfall events as a sign of climate change’s growing impact on the region. Scientists explain that a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which can result in heavier rainfall. Additionally, warmer ocean waters energise storm systems, making them more intense and unpredictable.
As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, Nepal faces increasing challenges in preparing for and responding to natural disasters. The floods and landslides currently devastating the country may be a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate resilience and disaster preparedness strategies, not only in Nepal but across vulnerable regions worldwide.
What’s Next?
With more rain expected in the coming days, Nepal’s immediate priority is to continue rescue efforts and provide relief to those affected by the disaster. However, the longer-term challenge remains rebuilding infrastructure and homes damaged by floods and landslides, and addressing the deeper, systemic issues exacerbated by climate change.
For now, the focus is on saving lives and supporting the thousands of displaced people across the country. As rescue crews continue their operations, the people of Nepal brace for more rain and hope for an end to the relentless downpour.
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