At least 66 people have died and 69 are reported missing in Nepal following relentless monsoon rains that have triggered widespread flooding and landslides across the country. This small Himalayan nation is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, exacerbating its vulnerability to such disasters.
Nepalese officials announced on Saturday that rescue operations are underway for thousands of affected individuals. In addition to the fatalities, at least 60 people have sustained injuries, and the death toll is expected to rise as assessments continue.
The majority of the deceased were from the Kathmandu Valley, which encompasses the capital city, Kathmandu. Major highways leading into the city have been closed due to the flooding.
Binod Ghimire, a senior police superintendent, stated that over 5,000 police officers, equipped with helicopters, rafts, and vehicles, have been mobilized for rescue efforts. While more than 3,000 individuals have been evacuated, many victims expressed frustration over delays. Social media videos showed people waiting for hours on rooftops as floodwaters rose around them.
Widespread power outages have left many areas in darkness. Dan Bahadur Karki, a spokesman for the Nepal Police, mentioned that several districts are cut off from communication, complicating efforts to assess casualties and property damage.
Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors if possible, with rainfall expected to subside by Sunday. The disaster struck just as the country was preparing for the Hindu festival of Dashain, scheduled to begin on Thursday, when many families travel to their ancestral villages to seek blessings from elders.
With a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal ranks as the fourth-most-vulnerable country to climate change, according to UNICEF. In recent years, the frequency of climate-related disasters has surged, including glacial lake outburst floods, leading to significant loss of life.
Local media, referencing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, reported that since the start of the monsoon season in June, 225 people have died and 49 are still missing due to related disasters.
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