The death toll from rain-induced floods and landslides across Nepal rose to 217, with an additional 28 still missing, officials reported on Tuesday. The disaster, which commenced on Thursday, continued to wreak havoc in multiple provinces until Sunday, resulting in mass displacement and devastation. Large areas of eastern and central Nepal have been submerged since Friday, exacerbating the impact.
However, there was a brief respite from the adverse weather conditions in Kathmandu on Sunday, offering some relief to those affected by the calamity.
As of Tuesday morning, the death toll from floods and landslides triggered by three days of incessant rain in Kathmandu and various parts of Nepal has reached 217. Additionally, 143 people have sustained injuries as a result of the natural disaster-related incidents, according to Home Ministry spokesperson Rishiram Tiwari.
The unrelenting rainfall from Thursday to Saturday has left a trail of destruction across Nepal, with the Kathmandu Valley bearing the brunt, experiencing a death toll that has surpassed 50. More than 20,000 security personnel, including personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police, have been mobilized for comprehensive search, rescue, and relief efforts.
Tiwari also noted that the injured are being treated at various healthcare facilities, and immediate relief materials are being provided to those affected by the floods and landslides. The government has prioritized search, rescue, and relief distribution efforts, while simultaneously working to restore blocked roadways.
Climate change has been identified as a contributing factor to the increased impact of floods, with scientists citing alterations in the amount and timing of rainfall across Asia. However, they stress that the construction of infrastructure, particularly on floodplains, has significantly impacted the severity of the floods and landslides, with inadequate areas for water retention and drainage exacerbating the situation.
The catastrophic floods and landslides have disrupted life in many parts of the country, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of families, the burying or sweeping away of houses and bridges, and the disruption of numerous highways and road sections. This has led to the stranding of thousands of passengers in various locations due to road disruptions.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster, efforts are underway to provide support and assistance to those impacted and to address the extensive damage caused by floods and landslides.
(With agency inputs)