Nepal is reeling from the aftermath of severe floods and landslides that have claimed the lives of at least 193 people, with the death toll expected to rise as more information emerges from rural areas.
The disaster, triggered by relentless monsoon rains since Thursday, has caused widespread destruction across the country. The capital city, Kathmandu, has been particularly hard hit, with 34 deaths reported in the Kathmandu Valley alone.
Extensive Damage and Disruption
The floods have submerged over 226 houses in Kathmandu, and main highways have been blocked in 63 locations nationwide, severely impacting transportation and the supply of vital goods such as food and fuel. The city experienced a day-long power outage due to the floods obstructing the main transmission line, although power was restored by evening.
Landslides have blocked all entry points to Kathmandu, and the floods have also disrupted electricity supply in various areas, affecting internet services in urban locales. Up to 16 hydropower projects have been affected, forcing Nepal to import electricity from India.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Rescue operations have been intensified, with over 3,600 individuals rescued so far. More than 5,000 police personnel, along with military units, are engaged in the rescue efforts, utilizing helicopters, boats, ropes, and vehicles to reach stranded and trapped individuals.
Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams have managed to partially reopen vital highways by clearing debris such as rocks, mud, and trees. The government has declared a three-day closure of schools and colleges nationwide to facilitate the ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
Humanitarian Crisis
The floods and landslides have left 96 people injured and 31 still unaccounted for. A tragic incident near Kathmandu involved a landslide burying at least three buses, resulting in the deaths of approximately 30 people who were trapped in the vehicles.
The monsoon season, which typically concludes by mid-September, has been exacerbated by climate change, leading to more frequent and intense flooding events. Rapid urban development and unregulated construction have further heightened the risk of loss of life during such natural disasters.
Government Response
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh has called for an emergency meeting to accelerate search and rescue efforts. Nepal's Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, who was attending the U.N. General Assembly in the United States, has urged citizens to remain patient and announced his return to the country to oversee the rescue operations.
