- Nepal floods and landslides claim 241 lives; over 4,000 rescued.
- Nepal Army and private helicopters aid in rescue, saving nearly 900, including trekkers.
- Infrastructure severely impacted, with Rs 17 billion in losses and thousands displaced.
The recent floods and landslides in Nepal have caused extensive damage, claiming the lives of 241 people and displacing thousands.
The disaster has left roads blocked, houses buried, and bridges swept away across multiple provinces. Nearly 20,000 security personnel have been deployed to manage rescue and relief operations.
Rising Floods in Nepal: Death Toll Mounts, Rescue Efforts Continue
Nepal is reeling from the aftermath of catastrophic floods and landslides caused by relentless rainfall, which has resulted in 241 deaths and widespread destruction. More than 4,000 people have been rescued, but many remain missing or injured. Helicopters have been pivotal in evacuating hundreds from hard-to-reach areas, with significant support from the Nepal Army and private operators.
Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli expressed regret over the delayed response during rescue efforts but praised the tireless work of the rescue teams. He urged citizens to continue supporting the relief and rehabilitation efforts. Government estimates reveal losses amounting to Rs 17 billion, while efforts to restore blocked highways and distribute aid to displaced families are ongoing.
In addition to human losses, the disaster severely impacted infrastructure, with hundreds of homes and bridges destroyed or damaged. Thousands of passengers were stranded due to road disruptions. The Kathmandu Valley, which recorded over 50 fatalities, has experienced some relief as weather conditions improved, helping speed up the restoration of services.
Environmental experts believe that the combination of climate change and unregulated construction on floodplains has made the country more vulnerable to such disasters. They warn that rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns across Asia could lead to more frequent and intense flooding in the future, highlighting the need for sustainable development practices in flood-prone regions.
As Nepal continues its recovery from the devastating floods, the government’s focus is on rescuing the remaining stranded individuals and providing relief to affected communities. A long-term solution to prevent similar disasters will require addressing environmental challenges and ensuring planned development in vulnerable areas.
“While climate change is changing the amount and timing of rainfall across Asia, a key reason for the rise in the impact of floods is the built environment.”
