Nepal Grapples with Deadly Floods and Landslides: Rescue Efforts Underway

Two cars submerged in muddy floodwaters.

Nepal faces a catastrophic disaster as floods and landslides claim over 200 lives, with dozens still missing.

At a Glance

  • Death toll surpasses 200, with 42 people still missing and 111 injured
  • Nepal Army has airlifted 162 individuals and rescued approximately 4,000 people
  • At least 322 houses and 16 bridges damaged across Nepal
  • National highways blocked by landslides, stranding hundreds of travelers
  • Government closed schools and colleges nationwide for three days

Devastating Floods and Landslides Ravage Nepal

Nepal is grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods and landslides that have claimed over 200 lives and left dozens missing. The disaster has struck areas near Kathmandu, with rescue teams working tirelessly to recover victims from landslide-buried vehicles and collapsed structures. This catastrophic event has severely damaged infrastructure, complicating rescue efforts and disrupting daily life across the nation.

The Nepal Army has been at the forefront of rescue operations, airlifting 162 individuals and rescuing approximately 4,000 people. However, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources, with national highways blocked by landslides and hundreds of travelers stranded.

Unprecedented Flooding and Infrastructure Damage

The Kathmandu Valley has experienced unprecedented flooding, with the Bagmati River rising above danger levels. The floods have damaged at least 322 houses and 16 bridges across Nepal, severely impacting the country’s infrastructure and daily life.

Climate change and unplanned construction on floodplains are exacerbating the impact of floods in Nepal. Experts warn that these factors, combined with unusual weather patterns, are contributing to more severe and frequent natural disasters in the region.

Tragic Incidents and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Several tragic incidents have occurred across the country. In the Dhading district, 19 people perished when a bus was buried in a landslide. In Bhaktapur, five individuals died in a house collapse due to a landslide. Additionally, six football players were killed by a landslide at a training center in Makwanpur.

“KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Rescuers in Nepal recovered dozens of bodies from buses and other vehicles that were buried in landslides near the capital Kathmandu, as the death toll from flooding rose to at least 148 with dozens missing, officials said Sunday.”

Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to recover bodies from vehicles buried in landslides near Kathmandu. The government has mobilized all security agencies for search and rescue operations, distributing relief materials, including food grains, to those rescued. As part of the emergency response, the government has closed schools and colleges nationwide for three days.

Despite forecasts of continued rain, conditions showed signs of easing on Sunday. However, the full extent of the damage and the final death toll remain uncertain as rescue efforts continue in remote areas. The nation now faces the daunting task of recovery and rebuilding in the wake of this devastating natural disaster.

Sources:

  1. At least 148 are dead in floods and landslides in Nepal
  2. Nearly 200 killed in floods, landslides in Nepal
  3. Death toll in floods, landslides in Nepal rises to 148
  4. At least 148 are dead in floods and landslides in Nepal
  5. People ‘jump from roof to roof’ as floods kill 148 in Nepal

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