Nepal floods worsens, over 110 lives lost, schools closed
Severe floods and landslides in Nepal worsens, over 200 homes submerged
Floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain have claimed at least 110 lives and injured over 60 individuals in Nepal. Dil Kumar Tamang, spokesperson for the Nepal Home Ministry, indicated that the death toll might rise, with 69 people still missing since Friday morning.
Bishwo Adhikari, deputy spokesperson for Nepal Police, reported that 34 of the fatalities occurred in the Kathmandu Valley, which houses 4 million residents. Highways have faced blockages at 63 locations nationwide. Many rivers have overflowed, inundating roads and bridges.
Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh convened an emergency meeting with several ministers, including the Home Minister, Home Secretary, and security chiefs. The government has shut all schools across the country for three days and paused all ongoing exams.
Update: 112 deaths across Nepal while 65 people still missing. 49 killed in Kathmandu Valley alone.
Four major hydropower projects have been shut down due to damage reducing generation capacity by 1,700MW. Rotating power cuts in effect.
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— Nepali Times (@NepaliTimes) September 29, 2024
Kathmandu experienced a day-long power outage due to the main transmission line being obstructed by flooding, electricity was restored by evening. Landslides have blocked all entry points to the capital. Police stated that 226 homes in Kathmandu are submerged, and around 3,000 security personnel have been deployed for rescue operations.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak emphasised that the government’s top priority is rescuing and assisting affected individuals. Authorities have banned night-time bus travel on highways and discouraged car travel. Security forces remain on high alert.
Monsoon season often brings landslides and flash floods to Nepal, causing hundreds of deaths each year.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Al Jazeera reported that as Nepal faces severe flooding, over 3,000 personnel are mobilised for rescue efforts. The increasing frequency of such disasters underscores the critical impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. (Read more)
- BBC reported that with at least 100 fatalities and many missing, the floods in Nepal reveal a dire need for enhanced disaster management. The monsoon’s intensity raises alarms about future risks. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How many people have died in the recent floods and landslides in Nepal?
At least 110 people have died.
How many people are reported missing due to the floods in Nepal?
At least 69 people are reported missing.
What measures has the Nepal government taken in response to the heavy rains?
The government has closed schools, halted exams, and banned night bus travel.
Which area in Nepal has been significantly affected by the floods?
Kathmandu valley, with at least 34 deaths and 226 houses submerged.
What is the current priority of the Nepal government regarding the floods?
The priority is to rescue people and help those affected.
