Severe flooding in Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu, has claimed at least 66 lives as swollen rivers, particularly the Bagmati River, overflowed into residential areas, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. The flooding, caused by relentless rain since Friday night, has left a devastating impact on the city, and authorities warn that the death toll could rise with 69 people still missing.
Over the past day, some parts of Kathmandu have experienced an overwhelming 322.2mm of rainfall. Rescue workers, using helicopters and boats, have been tirelessly working to evacuate stranded residents from rooftops and high ground. So far, police have reported that 1,053 people have been rescued, while at least 17 have been injured in the chaos. Security forces remain on high alert as the disaster unfolds.
Authorities have taken swift action in response to the flooding. Night-time bus travel has been banned, and cars are being discouraged from venturing onto roads, many of which are submerged or damaged by the floodwaters. With the rain forecasted to continue until Sunday, government officials have issued widespread flood alerts across the nation.
The flooding comes as Nepal’s monsoon season, which typically runs from June to mid-September, nears its end. This year’s rains have been particularly severe, exacerbated by a low-pressure system over parts of neighboring India. The extended monsoon has led to higher than usual rainfall, pushing rivers beyond their limits and causing widespread devastation.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak expressed concern for those still affected by the floods, noting that the government’s immediate priority is to rescue and provide aid to the people impacted by the disaster. “There are reports of damage in other parts of the country as well,” he said, emphasizing that information is still being collected as the situation develops.
Rescue efforts continue, as Nepal grapples with one of the deadliest floods it has faced in years. The full extent of the damage, not only to life but also to infrastructure, is still being assessed as authorities strive to manage this ongoing crisis. For now, Kathmandu and many parts of the country remain on edge, bracing for further rain and the potential for more flooding in the days to come.
The monsoon season in Nepal often brings life-giving rains, but this year, it has turned into a force of destruction, leaving a tragic mark on the people of Kathmandu and the nation.
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