Dozens Dead and Missing in Nepal Due to Landslides and Floods
Nepalese officials reported on Sunday, October 5th, that days of heavy rain have triggered landslides and floods, blocking roads and washing away bridges, resulting in at least 38 deaths and several people missing.
According to reports from Reuters and the Associated Press, Kalidas Dhauboji, a spokesperson for the Nepalese Armed Police Force, stated that in the Ilam region in eastern Nepal bordering India, multiple landslides have led to the deaths of 35 people.
He added that in other parts of Nepal, 9 individuals have gone missing after being swept away by floods, while 3 others died due to lightning strikes.
Shanti Mahat, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority of Nepal, mentioned, “Rescue operations for the missing individuals are currently ongoing.”
The heavy rain has hindered rescue teams from reaching villages, necessitating helicopter medical operations. Authorities reported that several highways have been blocked due to landslides and floods.
Meteorologists indicated that the rainfall may persist until Monday, October 6th. Authorities stated that they are taking extensive care and preventive measures to assist the affected population.
The Nepalese government has issued heavy rain warnings for the eastern and central regions of the country. The warning is in effect from Saturday through Monday. Major highways have also been closed. Due to heavy rainfall and low visibility, domestic flights were grounded on Saturday by Nepalese aviation authorities, but operations resumed on Sunday.
A local official mentioned that in the southeastern part of Nepal, the water level of the Koshi River has exceeded dangerous levels, which almost annually results in deadly floods in Bihar state in eastern India.
Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, the official in Sunsari district, expressed that all 56 gates of the embankment on the Koshi River have been opened to release floodwaters, whereas normally only 10 to 12 gates are opened. He further stated that vehicular traffic on bridges has been prohibited.
In Kathmandu, surrounded by mountains, numerous rivers have flooded roads and many houses, causing severe damage to transportation infrastructure. Landslides have cut off all major routes to Kathmandu.
Due to the heavy rain, the government has declared a national holiday until Monday.
According to the Kathmandu Post, the meteorological department has issued red alerts for over ten regions, with Kamal Ram Joshi, the head of the meteorological department, warning residents near waterways to evacuate immediately.
The warning covers densely populated areas, including parts of the capital, Kathmandu.
The weekend’s heavy rainfall comes towards the end of Nepal’s monsoon season, which typically starts in June. Similar floods and landslides at the same time last year led to 224 deaths and 158 injuries.