Flooding and landslides caused by continuous rainfall have claimed more than 100 lives in Nepal, with dozens of people reported missing, officials said on Saturday. The heavy rain has been falling since Friday night and is expected to continue throughout the weekend.
Home Ministry spokesperson Rishiram Tiwari confirmed that out of the 102 reported deaths, 34 occurred in the capital city, Kathmandu. Additionally, 60 people were injured and 3,010 individuals have been rescued from affected areas across the Himalayan nation.
All divisions of Nepal’s security forces, including the army, have been mobilised to aid in rescue operations. Landslides triggered by the heavy rain have blocked several roads. Three highways, including the crucial Prithvi Highway connecting Kathmandu to other parts of the country, were obstructed. Heavy equipment is being deployed to clear these routes, according to Tiwari.
Government’s response
The Nepalese government issued flood warnings across the nation, predicting massive rainfall and advising citizens to take precautions. Night travel for buses was banned and car journeys were discouraged. Security forces have been placed on high alert to respond swiftly to emergencies.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stated that the government is still gathering information about the extent of the damage. “The government’s priority right now is to rescue the people and help those who have been affected,” Lekhak emphasised.
Several parts of Kathmandu have been inundated by swollen rivers, causing significant flooding in homes. Residents were forced to move to the upper floors of their houses, particularly in the southern part of the city, where flooding was widespread. An army helicopter was dispatched to rescue four individuals trapped in their homes.
For a period, much of Kathmandu experienced power and internet outages as a result of the severe weather.
The monsoon season, which typically brings heavy rainfall, started in June and is expected to continue until mid-September.
With inputs from AP