Nepal Floods and Landslides: Death Toll Nears 200 as Monsoon Rains Wreak Havoc

Death Toll Climbs as Monsoon Rains Continue to Wreak Havoc

Nepal is grappling with one of its most devastating natural disasters in recent years, as torrential monsoon rains have triggered severe floods and landslides across the country. The death toll has climbed to nearly 200, with 193 confirmed fatalities as of Monday, September 30, 2024. Rescue teams are continuing to search for at least 30 missing people, while almost 100 others have been reported injured.

The intense rainfall, which began on Friday, September 27, has been linked to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, combined with an unusual monsoon trough position. This has led to widespread flooding, particularly in the eastern and central regions of Nepal, where rivers such as the Bagmati, Koshi, and Gandaki have burst their banks, causing extensive damage.

Hard-Hit Areas: Koshi River Basin and Kathmandu Valley

The Koshi River basin in eastern Nepal has been one of the worst-hit regions. Districts like Sunsari, Saptari, and Udayapur have experienced heavy flooding, displacing thousands of people and causing significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land. The Gandaki and Karnali rivers have also overflowed, affecting districts such as Banke, Bardiya, and Dang.

Kathmandu Valley, home to the nation’s capital, has suffered immensely, with 56 recorded deaths. The Bagmati River, which runs through the heart of Kathmandu, breached its banks, inundating southern parts of the city. Residents are now beginning the arduous task of cleaning up their homes, while some have lost everything to the floods.

Authorities reported that more than 300 homes and 16 bridges have been destroyed across Nepal, while landslides in hilly regions, particularly in Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, and Lamjung, have caused additional casualties and damage. A landslide near Kathmandu buried three buses on a blocked highway, killing several dozen people who had been sleeping inside the vehicles.

Emergency Response: Rescue Efforts and Shelters

Despite the overwhelming scale of the disaster, emergency personnel have ramped up rescue and recovery efforts. Teams from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force have already rescued around 4,000 individuals from flood-affected areas, according to Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson Rishiram Pokharel. Rescue operations have been supported by heavy machinery deployed to clear debris and open blocked roads, including the Prithvi Highway, a key route in and out of Kathmandu.

The Nepalese government has announced that temporary shelters will be set up for those who have lost their homes, while financial aid will be provided to the families of those who were killed or injured. The Home Minister has also called for schools and colleges to remain closed for the next three days to ensure public safety and allow recovery operations to proceed without disruption.

Climate Change and Poor Urban Planning Blamed for Disaster

As Nepal struggles to cope with the aftermath of this latest calamity, experts have pointed to climate change as a significant factor driving the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the country. The combination of Nepal’s fragile ecosystem and poor urban planning has exacerbated the impact of these natural disasters.

Infrastructure and urban planning expert Surya Raj Acharya noted that unchecked construction and encroachment on riverbanks have made areas like Kathmandu particularly vulnerable to flooding. “Without proper drainage systems and outlets for rainwater, floodwaters have no choice but to inundate homes,” Acharya explained, stressing the need for more sustainable urban planning practices in the future.

Climate scientist Arun Bhakta Shrestha, from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), echoed these concerns, emphasizing the role of climate change in altering monsoon patterns. “Rising global temperatures are making extreme weather events more common in Nepal, and without significant investments in infrastructure, the country will remain at risk,” Shrestha said.

Bangladesh Also Hit by Severe Flooding

The effects of the heavy monsoon rains have not been limited to Nepal. In neighboring Bangladesh, over 100,000 people have been affected by flooding in northern districts such as Lalmonirhat and Kurigram. The Teesta River, which flows between India and Bangladesh, has risen above danger levels in several locations, while other rivers, including the Dharala and Dudhkumar, are nearing critical levels.

Bangladeshi officials reported that many residents have been forced to seek shelter on roads and embankments, as floodwaters have submerged homes, crops, and infrastructure. The country’s weather office has warned that more rain is expected in the coming days, raising fears of further devastation.

Moving Forward: Nepal’s Long Road to Recovery

As rescue and recovery efforts continue in Nepal, the focus is now shifting to the long-term challenges of rebuilding and disaster preparedness. Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who returned from the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, has called an emergency meeting to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. Authorities are also working on strategies to rebuild damaged infrastructure and strengthen flood forecasting and response systems.

Experts agree that Nepal must prioritize the construction of river embankments, improve early warning systems, and invest in better urban planning to reduce its vulnerability to future disasters. With climate change expected to bring more frequent and severe weather events, the country’s long-term resilience will depend on its ability to adapt to these challenges.

Conclusion: A Grim Reminder of Nepal’s Vulnerability

The devastating floods and landslides in Nepal serve as a grim reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. As the death toll continues to rise and thousands remain displaced, the need for improved infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience has never been more urgent. With the monsoon season still in progress, Nepal faces a daunting road to recovery, but with the right strategies in place, the country can begin to rebuild and protect its citizens from future calamities.