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Devastating Floods and Landslides in Nepal

Nepal is grappling with the aftermath of torrential monsoon rains that have caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in a tragic death toll. As of Sunday, September 29th, 2024, the official count reached 125 fatalities, with 64 people still missing and 61 injured. Low-lying areas of Kathmandu, the capital city, were particularly hard hit, experiencing unprecedented levels of inundation. The Kathmandu Valley reported the highest number of deaths, with eyewitnesses stating they haven’t witnessed such devastation in 40-45 years.

The Scale of the Disaster

The impact of this natural disaster is immense. At least 322 houses and 16 bridges have been damaged, leaving hundreds of families displaced and thousands of passengers stranded due to road disruptions. Security personnel have rescued approximately 3,626 people, but rescue operations are ongoing. The disaster struck with particular force on Saturday, September 28th, when a bus was buried in a landslide in Dhading district, resulting in 19 deaths. A separate landslide in Bhaktapur claimed five lives, and tragically, six football players perished in a landslide at a training centre in Makwanpur.

Climate Change and Urban Development

While monsoon-related floods and landslides are common in South Asia, experts like Arun Bhakta Shrestha of ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) emphasize the increasing frequency and intensity of these events due to climate change. The Kathmandu Valley experienced 240 millimeters (9.4 inches) of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning – the highest recorded since at least 1970. ICIMOD reports attribute the exceptionally heavy rainfall to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal and an unusual northward shift of the monsoon trough. Further contributing to the severity is the unplanned urban development encroaching on floodplains, hindering natural water retention and drainage.

Ongoing Relief Efforts and Future Concerns

Despite some signs of easing rain on Sunday, September 29th, the forecast predicts further rainfall until Tuesday, October 1st. The Bagmati River, Kathmandu’s main river, overflowed its banks due to the incessant rain. The floods and landslides have significantly disrupted life across the country, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and sustainable urban planning to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events. The scale of destruction underscores the need for improved infrastructure and disaster response mechanisms. The ongoing rescue and relief efforts are crucial in assisting those affected and preventing further loss of life.