Major Floods and Landslides Devastate Nepal, Claiming Over 100 Lives
Nepal is reeling from devastating floods and landslides that have resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 100 individuals, as reported by local officials. The calamity struck following two days of relentless rainfall that submerged areas around the capital, Kathmandu.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with many residents left stranded on rooftops as emergency workers navigate the floodwaters on rafts. Thousands of homes situated near rivers have been inundated, leading to critical infrastructure, including highways, being severely affected.
Although the weather forecast indicates more rain through Tuesday, conditions showed signs of improvement as of Sunday.
Authorities have successfully rescued over 3,000 individuals, but flash floods and landslides have resulted in numerous fatalities. In Bhaktapur, east of Kathmandu, five lives were lost—including that of a pregnant woman and a four-year-old girl—when a house collapsed due to a landslide. Additionally, two bodies were recovered from a bus buried in a landslide in Dhading, west of the capital, where twelve people were reported onboard.
Tragedy struck at a training center operated by the All Nepal Football Association in Makwanpur, south-west of Kathmandu, where six football players lost their lives to a landslide. Eyewitness accounts revealed gripping scenes of individuals being swept away by the raging Nakkhu River in the southern Kathmandu valley.
Survivors like Hari Om Malla shared harrowing experiences. Malla lost his truck after it was submerged, recalling how water rapidly filled the vehicle as the rain intensified. “We jumped out, swam, and got away from it—but my possessions were swept away. I have nothing now,” he lamented.
Government spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung disclosed that the flooding has disrupted essential utilities, breaking water pipes and affecting telephone and power lines. To support rescue operations, 10,000 police officers, along with volunteers and military personnel, have been deployed.
In the wake of the disaster, the government has advised against unnecessary travel and has prohibited nighttime driving within the Kathmandu valley. Most highways connecting Kathmandu to the rest of Nepal remain obstructed, complicating relief efforts. Additionally, many domestic flights experienced delays and cancellations over the weekend.
The annual monsoon season in Nepal is known for bringing floods and landslides; however, scientists are warning that climate change is leading to increasingly severe rainfall events. A warmer atmosphere allows for greater moisture retention, while rising ocean temperatures intensify storm systems, resulting in more unpredictable weather patterns.
