Torrential Rains in Nepal: A Catastrophic Impact Over 2 Days

Photo : Kathmandu, Nepal (PC : Setopati)

Nepal has faced severe devastation due to torrential rains over the past two days, causing widespread damage across the country. From September 27-28, 2024, relentless downpours have triggered flooding, landslides, and lightning strikes, wreaking havoc from the eastern to the western regions. The situation has left 108 people dead, 64 missing, and 73 others injured as per official reports of Nepal police and media reports- RSS.  

Widespread Rescue Operations

In response to the disaster, the government has mobilized 20,000 security personnel, including the Nepal Army and Armed Police Force (APF), to lead rescue and relief operations across the country. Over 3039 people have been rescued from disaster zones by security forces, who have also used boats and helicopters to reach stranded individuals in flood-affected areas​(Nepal police and media reports) 

Extensive Damage to Infrastructure

The continuous rainfall has caused significant infrastructure damage. Several key highways remain blocked due to landslides, hindering movement and making it difficult to transport supplies. In Kathmandu, floods have damaged over 160 buildings, and there are reports of roads submerged under water, especially in low-lying areas. Major rivers like the Bagmati and Hanumante have reached dangerous levels, adding to the risk of further flooding​(media reports) 

Urgent Need for Assistance

The two-day torrential rains have highlighted the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness in Nepal, particularly as the country faces the growing impacts of climate change. The government, in coordination with local and international agencies, continues to focus on rescue operations while calling for vigilance as weather forecasts predict more heavy rain in the coming days.

This catastrophic event underscores the necessity for rapid responses, both in terms of immediate relief and long-term infrastructure resilience to protect lives and livelihoods from future disasters.

Record-Breaking Rainfall in Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley recently faced a record-breaking deluge, causing widespread destruction to infrastructure and significant loss of life and property. The torrential rain triggered major rivers like Bagmati and Nakkhu to overflow, flooding roads and damaging nearby structures. Lalitpur's Chapagaun saw the heaviest rainfall, recording 323 mm in just 24 hours, breaking the 2002 record of 200 mm. Kathmandu’s Panipokhari also shattered a 53-year-old record, with 225.2 mm of rainfall measured. Several other locations, including Tribhuvan International Airport and Budhanilkantha, saw similar extremes. This disaster underlines the growing threats of climate change and the urgent need for preparedness in Nepal’s urban areas. https://www.datawrapper.de/_/j9qDg/?v=2

This update is current as of September 28, 2024, at 9:30 PM. The reported facts and figures regarding casualties, injuries, and missing persons and damage records are likely to rise as more information becomes available.

........................Tek

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