Nepal: Heavy Rainfall Causes Devastating Floods, Killing 148 People
Massive floods and landslides triggered by days of intense rainfall have wreaked havoc in Nepal, particularly around the capital, Kathmandu. The heavy downpours have caused the death of at least 148 people, with more than 100 injured, while dozens remain missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing as emergency responders use helicopters, inflatable rafts, and even ziplines to reach stranded individuals.
Rescue Efforts Amidst Widespread Destruction
The floods have inundated thousands of homes, forcing people to escape by climbing to rooftops. Some residents have described harrowing experiences of jumping from one roof to another in a desperate attempt to escape the rising waters.
More than 3,600 individuals have been rescued so far, but with roads still blocked by landslides, many areas remain cut off. Police officials reported that 35 bodies were found in vehicles buried by landslides on Prithvi Highway, one of the main routes connecting Kathmandu with other parts of the country Nepal.
Despite signs of easing rainfall on Sunday, the weather forecast suggests that heavy rain will continue through Tuesday, heightening concerns that the death toll could rise further.
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Deadly Landslides Add to the Crisis
In addition to the widespread flooding, landslides have caused further casualties. Five people, including a pregnant woman and a young child, were killed when a house in Bhaktapur collapsed under the weight of a landslide. In Dhading, two bodies were recovered from a bus buried by another landslide, with reports suggesting 12 people were on board.
Tragedy also struck the sports community, as six football players lost their lives due to a landslide at a training facility in Makwanpur, located southwest of Kathmandu.
Survivors Share Harrowing Experiences
Survivors of the disaster have shared their stories of loss and resilience. Hari Om Malla, a truck driver, recounted how he narrowly escaped when floodwaters submerged his vehicle in Kathmandu. “We jumped out, swam, and got away from it—but my purse, bag, and mobile have been swept away by the river. I have nothing now,” he said.
Another survivor, Bishnu Maya Shretha, described how her family escaped by cutting through the roof of their flooded home and jumping from one roof to another. “We had run away the last time, but nothing happened. This time, all the houses were flooded,” she said.
Government and Military Response
Nepal government has mobilized over 10,000 police officers, army personnel, and volunteers for rescue efforts. In addition to search and rescue operations, authorities are urging people to avoid non-essential travel and have banned nighttime driving in the Kathmandu valley. Air travel has also been affected, with several domestic flights delayed or canceled.
The monsoon season brings annual flooding to Nepal, but experts warn that the intensity of rainfall is increasing due to climate change. Warmer air holds more moisture, and warmer ocean temperatures are fueling stronger, more unpredictable storm systems.
As rescue operations continue, the people of Nepal are bracing for more rain, hoping that the worst of the flooding is behind them.
