The situation in Nepal following the devastating monsoon floods remains critical, with search and rescue efforts ongoing in the capital, Kathmandu. Despite the receding waters, the damage to homes and infrastructure is extensive, resulting in a significant loss of life and displacement of many people.Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events in South Asia, making it crucial to address climate mitigation and adaptation measures to mitigate the impacts of future disasters
A man carrying a sack of flour wades through flood waters after the Bagmati River overflowed following heavy monsoon rains in Kathmandu on September 28, 2024. – Floods and landslides caused by heavy downpours in Nepal killed at least 10 people across the Himalayan country, with rescue teams searching for 18 missing, a disaster official said on September 28. (Photo by PRAKASH MATHEMA / AFP)
The death toll from the monsoon floods in Nepal continues to rise, with the current count at 192 fatalities and 31 missing persons. One of the most tragic incidents occurred on a highway south of Kathmandu, where a landslide buried 35 people alive.Rescue efforts are ongoing in the affected areas, with rescuers working tirelessly to clear debris and search for survivors. In the worst-hit riverside neighborhoods around Kathmandu, many of which are unauthorized slum settlements, rescuers are using shovels to clear mud and debris. The situation remains critical, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
The devastating impact of the monsoon floods in Nepal has been exacerbated by unplanned urban encroachment around the Bagmati River, according to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. This factor, combined with the heavy rainfall, contributed to the severity of the flooding in Kathmandu.Despite the challenges, rescue efforts have been ongoing, with the Nepalese army successfully rescuing more than 4,000 people using various methods, including helicopters, motorboats, and rafts. Additionally, bulldozers have been deployed to clear debris from major highways leading into Kathmandu, restoring connectivity to the capital.The ongoing efforts of the rescue teams and the support from various organizations are crucial in addressing the urgent needs of the affected population and mitigating the long-term consequences of the disaster.
The impact of the monsoon floods in Nepal extends beyond the immediate loss of life and property. The disruption of transportation infrastructure, particularly intercity roads, has led to a significant shortage of fresh fruit and vegetables in Kathmandu. This supply chain disruption is causing price hikes and affecting the livelihoods of farmers and consumers alike.According to Nepal’s weather bureau, the recent floods were unprecedented, with record-breaking rainfall recorded in 14 districts in just 24 hours. This extreme weather event highlights the increasing severity of climate change and its devastating consequences.
The monsoon floods in Nepal have been unprecedented in their severity, with a monitoring station at Kathmandu airport recording the highest rainfall levels since 2002. The 240 millimeters (9.4 inches) of rain recorded in just 24 hours is a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of extreme weather events in the region.The summer monsoon season, which brings 70-80 percent of South Asia’s annual rainfall, is crucial for agriculture and food production in this densely populated region. However, the monsoon also brings widespread destruction in the form of floods and landslides.Experts attribute the worsening frequency and intensity of these disasters to climate change, which is having a profound impact on weather patterns and ecosystems. The human toll of this year’s monsoon floods in Nepal is tragic, with over 300 people losing their lives.The devastating consequences of these floods highlight the urgent need for climate action and adaptation measures to mitigate the impacts of future disasters and ensure the resilience of communities in South Asia.
