Kathmandu: The death toll from the heavy rainfall-induced floods and landslides in Nepal has reached 193. Over 200 people have been injured, and around 30 others are reported missing. Since the heavy rains and flooding began on Friday, many eastern and central Nepal areas have been submerged.
According to Interior Ministry spokesperson Rishiram Pokharel, nearly 4,000 people trapped in the floods have been rescued by the Nepal Army and police. The army reported that 162 people were airlifted. In the Balkhu area on the outskirts of Kathmandu, social workers helped distribute food to 400 individuals. Due to landslides, hundreds of people have been stranded on various highways, leading to the closure of national roads. Authorities are continuing efforts to clear the obstructions and restore traffic.
Reports indicate that more than 300 houses and 16 bridges have been destroyed due to the flooding. Eyewitnesses stated that this was the worst flood in the last 45 years. The weather department attributed the heavy rainfall to a depression in the Bay of Bengal and the monsoon shifting further north than usual. All transportation systems leading to the capital city, Kathmandu, have been completely disrupted due to the flooding. The destruction of national roads and major bridges has halted the movement of goods from India and other areas. Twenty hydropower projects have sustained damage. Nepal’s Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak confirmed that the flooding has caused significant losses in the Kathmandu valley. The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police are continuing rescue operations across the country, Lekhak stated.
Record Rainfall in 54 Years
Unprecedented rainfall was recorded in Kathmandu on Saturday, measuring 323 millimeters within 24 hours. This marks the highest rainfall in 54 years. The heavy rains, which began Thursday evening under the influence of a depression formed in the Bay of Bengal, have led to this disaster.
