Kathmandu, Nepal – Devastating floods have left 192 people dead and numerous others missing in Nepal, leaving the country suffering. While authorities work to determine the extent of the damage caused by this natural disaster, rescue operations are under progress.
Record-Breaking Rainfall Triggers Nepal Floods
According to Nepal’s weather agency, unprecedented levels of rainfall have caused extensive flooding in a number of areas:
- Rainfall in Kathmandu reached 240 millimeters, the most in over two decades.
- In a 24-hour period, fourteen areas experienced previously unheard-of volumes of rainfall.
Floods Cause Widespread Destruction in Nepal
The impact of the floods has been felt across Nepal, especially in the capital, Kathmandu:
- Entire neighborhoods submerged due to rising waters.
- Major highways have been blocked, isolating the capital from the rest of the country
- .Unauthorized settlements along the Bagmati River have been severely affected.
Landslides Add to the Tragedy of Nepal Floods
More people have died as a result of landslides brought on by the flooding:
- A landslide on a highway south of Kathmandu buried several vehicles, killing 35 people, according to Nepal Police spokesman Dan Bahadur Karki.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing After Nepal Floods
Authorities have mobilized extensive resources to combat the aftermath of the floods:
- To date, more than 4,000 lives have been saved.
- In the impacted areas, rafts, motorboats, and helicopters are being sent out.
- Bulldozers are being used to help in rescue operations and clear blocked highways.
Floods Severely Disrupt Food Supply in Kathmandu
The floods have had a crippling effect on food supply chains in the capital:
- Fresh vegetables are not getting to the Kathmandu markets because of blocked highways.
- Binay Shrestha, from a major produce market, stated, “The farmers have their produce ready, but it’s all stuck because the highways are blocked.”
Climate Change Worsens Impact of Nepal Floods
Experts attribute the increasing frequency and severity of floods to climate change:
- In Nepal, flood-related disasters have claimed more than 300 lives so far this year.
- The impact of the floods was made worse by unplanned urbanization along the Bagmati River, according to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.
International Support Pours in After Nepal Floods
International support has started to arrive in response to the floods:
- Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif offered assistance to Nepal, drawing parallels to Pakistan’s 2022 floods.
Nepal Faces Challenges in Recovery After Devastating Floods
As the number of flood-related deaths rises, Nepal’s primary priorities continue to be:
- Finishing up search and rescue efforts
- Providing assistance to impacted populations
- Reopening blocked roads and other vital facilities
- Planning to be climate resilient in order to mitigate future flood risks
In the coming weeks, Nepal’s efforts to recover from this devastating incident will be critical.