Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 15, 2024 1:40 pm GMT
Severe flooding and landslides have ravaged Nepal, leading to at least 66 confirmed fatalities and leaving 69 others missing. As relentless rain continues to fall, the situation remains dire, particularly in the capital city of Kathmandu, where homes have been submerged and emergency services are working around the clock to provide assistance.
Widespread Devastation Across Nepal
Since Friday night, Nepal has been grappling with continuous rainfall that has wreaked havoc in both urban and rural areas. According to officials, the death toll climbed to 66 on Saturday, with 34 of these casualties occurring in Kathmandu alone. The nation’s Home Ministry has reported 60 additional injuries and over 3,010 individuals rescued from dangerous situations caused by the floods.
Rishiram Tiwari, a spokesperson for the Home Ministry, stated that all divisions of security forces, including the army, have been mobilized to assist in rescue operations. “Our first priority is to rescue individuals and support those affected by this natural disaster,” said Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak during a briefing.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
The harsh weather conditions have caused significant disruption to transportation and communication networks. Heavy rainfall resulted in multiple landslides that blocked crucial highways, including the key Prithvi Highway which connects Kathmandu to the rest of the country. Efforts are ongoing to clear these routes with heavy equipment, but concerns remain about accessibility for rescue teams.
– Three main highways blocked
– Over 3,000 people successfully rescued
– Helicopters deployed for urgent evacuations
In certain areas of Kathmandu, rivers overflowed, inundating residential neighborhoods and forcing residents to seek refuge on higher ground. Many households have been impacted severely, and the government has issued flood warnings in anticipation of more rain over the coming weekend.
Emergency Measures Implemented
In response to the worsening conditions, the Nepali government has taken several precautionary measures. Nighttime bus travel on highways has been banned, and private vehicle use has been discouraged to ensure safety on the roads.
– Flood warnings are in effect nationwide
– Security forces placed on high alert
– Power and internet outages affecting large regions
The deluge has also left much of Kathmandu without power and internet for extended periods, complicating efforts to communicate and coordinate relief.
Ongoing Monsoon Threats
The ongoing monsoon season, typically active from June to September, has already brought significant rainfall this year. While this time of year often results in heavy rains, the intensity and duration of the current weather system are particularly alarming. The government is closely monitoring the situation as conditions evolve.
Home Minister Lekhak mentioned, “Right now, we are focused on rescue operations and relief efforts for those impacted. We are continuously assessing the damage and needs of affected communities.”
As the situation develops, local authorities urge caution among residents, emphasizing the importance of staying updated on weather warnings and following instructions from emergency services.
Community Resilience and Support
As the nation faces this crisis, stories of community resilience and support are emerging. Families are banding together to help one another, sharing resources and offering shelter. The international community is also beginning to respond, with offers of aid and support expected to follow in the days ahead.
In the face of this tragedy, the Nepali spirit of solidarity shines through. People are using social media platforms to coordinate help and share vital information, showing that even in the darkest times, communities can come together to support one another.
The flooding and landslides happening in Nepal right now show just how dangerous the monsoon season can be. It’s really important for government workers, security teams, and local people to work together to handle the tough situations caused by this disaster. As Nepal goes through this crisis, everyone is focused on saving lives and helping the affected areas get back to normal.
