Nepal’s Catastrophic Floods and Landslides Claim 148 Lives, Leave Dozens Missing Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Recent catastrophic flooding and landslides in Nepal have led to significant casualties, with at least 148 confirmed deaths and over 100 injuries reported across the nation. The intense rainfall over two days has particularly affected the Kathmandu Valley, where more than 50 individuals are still unaccounted for.

Rescue operations have successfully saved around 3,600 people, utilizing helicopters and inflatable rafts to reach those trapped by the rapidly rising waters. Residents have shared harrowing accounts of their desperate attempts to escape, often jumping from one roof to another as their homes became inundated.

The weather forecast indicates that rain may persist through Tuesday, though some relief was observed on Sunday. This allowed certain residents to begin returning to their homes, which are now coated in mud.

However, many remain isolated due to major roads blocked by landslides, complicating rescue efforts. Tragically, at least 35 bodies have been recovered from vehicles buried under landslides on the Prithvi Highway, underscoring the lethal consequences of the flooding and the scale of the disaster.

Landslides have been a significant contributor to the rising death toll, with several incidents reported. In Bhaktapur, five people, including a pregnant woman and a four-year-old girl, died when a house collapsed due to a landslide.

Additionally, two bodies were recovered from a bus that had been buried in Dhading, and six football players lost their lives at a training center in Makwanpur. Eyewitness accounts detail how some individuals were swept away by floodwaters, heightening concerns about public safety.

Survivors have recounted their experiences during the disaster, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the flooding. One individual described how water flooded his truck, forcing him to flee as his belongings were swept away.

Another survivor explained that the flooding was unprecedented this season, compelling them to escape through their roof. Many have lost their possessions and are left in dire situations as the floods have obliterated homes and disrupted lives.

In response to the crisis, the Nepalese government has mobilized extensive resources for rescue and recovery efforts. Approximately 10,000 police officers, alongside volunteers and military personnel, have been deployed to assist those affected. The floods have also damaged critical infrastructure, disrupting water supply, power, and communication lines.

Travel restrictions have been imposed in the Kathmandu Valley, and air travel has faced delays and cancellations. While monsoon-related flooding and landslides are common in Nepal, experts warn that climate change is making these events more severe and unpredictable.