Continuous rainfall has unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across Nepal, claiming the lives of at least 66 people and leaving 69 others missing, officials reported on Saturday. The relentless downpour, which began on Friday night, is expected to persist through the weekend, exacerbating the crisis.
Home Ministry spokesperson Rishiram Tiwari confirmed that the fatalities included 34 individuals from the capital city, Kathmandu. Additionally, 60 people have sustained injuries while 3,010 have been rescued throughout the country. Tiwari emphasized that all security divisions, including the army, have been mobilized to support the ongoing rescue efforts.
The torrential rains have triggered numerous landslides, obstructing several roads and causing widespread disruption. Among the affected routes are three major highways, including the crucial Prithvi Highway, which connects Kathmandu to the rest of Nepal. Heavy machinery is being deployed in attempts to clear these vital passages.
The Nepalese government had issued flood warnings in anticipation of the heavy rainfall, alerting the nation to the imminent danger. As a precautionary measure, buses were prohibited from traveling on highways at night, and car travel was strongly discouraged. Security forces were placed on high alert to respond to the emerging crisis.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak informed reporters that authorities are still in the process of gathering detailed information regarding the impact of the flooding. “The government’s priority right now is to rescue the people and help those who have been affected,” Lekhak stated.
In Kathmandu, parts of the city have been inundated by overflowing rivers, leading to widespread flooding and forcing residents to seek refuge on the upper floors of their homes. The southern region of the city has been particularly hard-hit. An army helicopter was deployed to rescue four individuals trapped in their homes by the rising waters.
The severe weather has also caused significant disruptions to daily life, leaving much of Kathmandu without power and internet for a period of time.
The monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall to the region, commenced in June and typically concludes by mid-September. However, this year’s extended rainfall has resulted in an unprecedented crisis, straining the nation’s emergency response capabilities and leaving many communities devastated.
