Kathmandu – The low-lying areas of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, have been severely impacted by massive flooding following intense monsoon rains. The death toll has tragically risen from 10 to 101 across Nepal.
According to AFP, reported on Sunday (September 29, 2024), floods and deadly landslides frequently occur throughout South Asia during the monsoon season from June to September. However, experts note that climate change is increasing both the frequency and severity of these events.
Since Friday (September 27), vast regions of eastern and central Nepal have been inundated, with flash floods reported in several rivers and significant damage to the country’s roadways. Alongside the 101 confirmed deaths, 64 individuals remain missing.
“The death toll has reached 101, with 64 people still missing,” stated police spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki. “The number may rise as our search and rescue operations continue in the affected areas,” he added.
The Kathmandu Valley recorded 240 millimeters (9.4 inches) of rain in the 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning (September 28). The Nepal Weather Bureau reported this as the highest rainfall recorded in the capital since at least 1970.
The Bagmati River and many of its tributaries that traverse Kathmandu have overflowed, flooding nearby homes and vehicles. Residents have waded through chest-high water to reach safer areas, with nearly 3,300 individuals rescued by rescue teams by Sunday morning.
Over 3,000 security personnel have been deployed to assist with rescue efforts using helicopters and motorboats. Rescue teams utilized rafts to bring survivors to safety.
Additionally, landslides have blocked several roadways connecting the capital to the rest of the country, stranding hundreds of tourists. “We have about eight locations that have all been blocked due to landslides on various stretches of road,” said Kathmandu traffic officer Bishwaraj Khadka.
Domestic flights have resumed operating to and from Kathmandu after being completely halted since Friday night due to the adverse weather, resulting in over 150 flight cancellations. The summer monsoon brings 70-80% of the annual rainfall to South Asia.
Each year, the monsoon rains from June to September lead to widespread death and destruction across South Asia, but the number of fatal floods and landslides has been increasing in recent years due to changing climate patterns.
