A devastating series of floods and landslides has wreaked havoc across Nepal, claiming the lives of 112 people within the last 24 hours, as confirmed by the Armed Police Force (APF) and the Nepal Police on Sunday. The country, already grappling with a challenging monsoon season, continues to endure widespread destruction as authorities rush to rescue and assist affected communities.
The catastrophic rainfall, which has inundated the nation, has left 68 people missing, while more than 100 others have sustained injuries. Nepal’s Home Minister, Ramesh Lekhak, addressed the situation, emphasizing the extensive damage caused to both life and property, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley.
As the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police mobilize search and rescue operations, the nation braces for further challenges brought on by this monsoon-induced disaster.
Rising Death Toll and Widespread Destruction
In a grim update, the APF and Nepal Police reported that a total of 34 people were found dead in Kavrepalanchowk district, while Lalitpur accounted for 20 deaths, Dhading for 15, and Kathmandu for 12. Other severely affected districts include Makwanpur, which reported seven fatalities, Sindhupalchowk with four, and Dolakha with three.
Additionally, five people each were confirmed dead in the Panchthar and Bhaktapur districts. Smaller death tolls were recorded in Dhankuta, Solukhumbu, Ramchhap, Mahottari, and Sunsari districts.
In the capital city of Kathmandu, rainfall reached a record-breaking 323 millimeters within just 24 hours on Saturday, marking the highest downpour in 54 years. Heavy rains, originating from water vapor drawn from the Bay of Bengal and influenced by a low-pressure system, have led to a widespread humanitarian crisis across the nation. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities focused on reaching remote areas and ensuring the safety of survivors.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, speaking to reporters on Saturday, stated, “Due to the heavy rainfall all across the nation, we are collecting information about induced damages; a meeting of the (disaster) command post also has been convened. A huge amount of damage to life and property has been recorded all across the nation.”
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Rainfall Intensifies
The ongoing monsoon season in Nepal, which typically begins in mid-June, has proven to be more severe than usual this year. As of Friday morning, the country had recorded 1,586.3 millimeters of rainfall since the onset of the monsoon on June 10. This exceeds the average annual rainfall for the season, which is typically 1,472 millimeters over the four-month period of June to September.
Last year, Nepal recorded only 1,303 millimeters of rainfall during the entire monsoon season, highlighting the severity of this year’s deluge. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA) has issued warnings to 56 out of 77 districts, urging caution and preparedness in anticipation of further disasters.
Adding to the complexity of the crisis, Nepal’s unique geography, with its towering mountains and valleys, has made it especially vulnerable to floods and landslides. The country is home to nine of the ten highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, making it prone to natural disasters, particularly during the monsoon.
The NDRRMA has estimated that 1.8 million people have already been affected by this year’s rains, and 412,000 households are expected to experience further disruption from monsoon-related disasters.
Nepal’s monsoon season is a critical period, as it delivers around 80 percent of the country’s annual rainfall. Typically lasting for 105 days, the monsoon provides essential water for agriculture but also poses a significant threat to human life and infrastructure.
In recent years, the monsoon has been extending beyond its usual end date, now expected to last into late October. This has only intensified the challenges faced by Nepal, as extended rains increase the risk of landslides, floods, and related catastrophes.
Government Response and Future Challenges
As Nepal confronts the immediate crisis, government authorities and disaster management teams are focused on search, rescue, and relief efforts. The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police are working tirelessly to locate missing individuals, provide medical assistance to the injured, and evacuate those in vulnerable areas. In addition, the government has convened meetings of its disaster command post to coordinate a national response.
Minister Lekhak emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the government is committed to mobilizing all available resources to mitigate the damage and assist affected citizens.
“The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police are conducting the search and rescue operations all across the nation,” he stated, adding that the rainfall has caused unprecedented damage to the Kathmandu Valley and beyond.
Looking ahead, the country faces significant recovery and rebuilding challenges. While the monsoon rains are vital for agriculture, they have also highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. As climate change intensifies, such extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent, demanding more comprehensive strategies to safeguard communities.
The NDRRMA’s warnings and estimates highlight the scale of the ongoing crisis, with many regions still at risk of further damage. The rains have already extended the monsoon season, and with it, the potential for additional flooding and landslides.
In the coming weeks, Nepal will continue to face the dual challenge of addressing immediate humanitarian needs while preparing for long-term recovery.
Nepal’s struggle with this year’s severe monsoon highlights the vulnerability of its landscape and population to natural disasters. With the death toll continuing to rise and thousands more at risk, the country is in the midst of a profound humanitarian crisis.
As rescue operations press on and the government scrambles to provide relief, the monsoon’s ongoing effects will likely leave a lasting impact on the nation, both in terms of loss and lessons learned for future disaster preparedness.
