Intense rainfall continues to wreak havoc across Nepal, causing widespread floods and landslides that have claimed 112 lives, with 64 people still missing as of Sunday. The downpours, which began on Friday, have inundated low-lying areas, caused rivers to overflow, and triggered devastating flash floods across the country.
The capital, Kathmandu, recorded its highest rainfall since 1970, with the country’s weather bureau reporting 240 mm of rain in the 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning. Some parts of the city saw even heavier rainfall, with up to 322 mm recorded, according to Reuters.
The flooding has left several key roads blocked by landslides, while rivers like the Bagmati have breached their banks, submerging nearby areas. In total, eight major roads have been obstructed due to landslides and water accumulation.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Authorities are continuing rescue operations as the situation worsens. As of Sunday morning, over 3,300 people have been rescued by emergency response teams, and more than 3,000 security personnel have been deployed to assist with rescue and relief efforts. Helicopters, rafts, and motorboats are being used to reach affected areas, especially where roads have been completely cut off by landslides or floods.
Dan Bahadur Karki, a police spokesperson, warned that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams reach more flood-affected regions. Many of those still missing are feared to be buried under debris or swept away by the rapidly rising floodwaters.
While domestic flights to and from Kathmandu were temporarily suspended starting on Friday due to the adverse weather conditions, flights resumed on Sunday, with 150 departures previously canceled.
Impact of Climate Change and Unplanned Development
Experts believe climate change has exacerbated the severity of floods and landslides in Nepal, with rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns making extreme rainfall more common. Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a climate scientist at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), pointed to the long-term impacts of environmental mismanagement.
“Haphazard development has significantly increased risks in Nepal,” said Shrestha. He noted that unplanned urbanization, the encroachment of floodplains, and inadequate drainage systems have worsened the flooding crisis in the capital and surrounding areas.
“I’ve never seen flooding on this scale in Kathmandu before,” Shrestha added.
ICIMOD has called on the Nepali government to take urgent measures to improve infrastructure and invest in proper stormwater management systems, particularly in urban areas like Kathmandu. The organization highlighted the need for better drainage, water retention zones, and strict regulation on construction in flood-prone areas to mitigate future disasters.
A Call for Sustainable Solutions
The deadly floods in Nepal underscore the growing vulnerability of the region to climate-related disasters. Experts and environmentalists are urging the government to prioritize sustainable urban development and implement stricter policies to adapt to changing weather patterns.
As Nepal continues to battle the after-effects of the current floods, the urgent need for comprehensive climate resilience measures has become increasingly clear.
Conclusion
The situation remains critical in Nepal, with rescue efforts underway to locate the missing and provide aid to the thousands of people affected by the disaster. The recent floods have highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure and proactive measures to combat the risks posed by climate change and unplanned urban growth.
Sources By Agencies
