Devastation has swept through Nepal as heavy rainfall over the weekend led to catastrophic floods and landslides, with reports indicating nearly 200 fatalities and many more missing. The relentless downpour, which began on Friday, inundated large areas of eastern and central Nepal, triggering flash floods and landslides across various regions.
According to local authorities, the death toll has reached about 200, with at least 30 individuals reported missing, highlighted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, who also indicated around 111 people have suffered injuries due to the disaster. This calamity has raised alarms across the nation as thousands find themselves stranded and communities shattered.
Rescue operations are currently the focus of security forces, with the Nepal Army, Police, and Armed Police collaborating to aid those trapped. Reports indicate about 4,500 individuals have been rescued, and relief materials, including food and emergency supplies, are being distributed to the affected populations. Social workers have also mobilized to provide meals to those displaced, particularly focusing on providing comfort to the over 400 individuals sheltered in the Balkhu area adjacent to Kathmandu.
Highways have become impassable due to landslides, and major routes, such as the Tribhuvan Highway, which links the capital to surrounding districts, were blocked for several days. Despite some efforts beginning Sunday to clear roads, thousands remain stranded, causing considerable distress and disarray across transportation networks.
Eyewitnesses have described this disaster as unprecedented. Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a climate and environmental expert from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, noted, "I’ve never before seen flooding on this scale in Kathmandu.” The Bagmati River, which flows through the Kathmandu Valley, recorded water levels exceeding danger thresholds as rain continued to lash the area.
The tragic scenario has been exacerbated by unplanned construction practices, particularly on floodplains, severely limiting water retention and drainage. Experts cite climate change as increasingly impactful, shifting rain patterns and intensifying the effects of such natural disasters across Southern Asia.
Among the other tragedies caused by the floods, 19 people lost their lives when a bus was caught under landslide debris near Dhading district. Three others perished when their home collapsed under the weight of mudflow, and six football players were also killed during training at their center in Makwanpur.
Rescue teams continue to monitor the weather and support recovery efforts. Authorities have issued alerts predicting potential for continued heavy rainfall through Tuesday, maintaining worries about additional flooding and landslide risks. The government’s immediate response includes prioritizing search and rescue missions to bring stability back to affected communities.
The situation remains fluid as efforts intensify to address the growing need for support and relief. Thousands of families face uncertainty, with widespread infrastructural damage leading to significant economic and social strains on communities already grappling with climatic challenges. Regional and international agencies are keeping close tabs on the developments, ready to offer assistance as the situation continues to evolve.
