Nepal Halts Education Amid Deadly Floods and Landslides

Nepal closed schools for three days following severe floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall, claiming 129 lives with dozens missing. The weather disruption brought Kathmandu Valley to a near standstill, as authorities tackle repair efforts. Experts point to climate change risks and poor urban planning as key contributors.

Nepal has halted educational activities for three days after devastating floods and landslides triggered by two days of heavy rain killed 129 people, with 62 still missing, officials reported on Sunday. The extreme weather event paralyzed traffic and daily life across the Kathmandu Valley, where 37 of the deaths occurred in the capital region.

Authorities indicated that university and school infrastructures were damaged, making it difficult for students and parents. 'We have requested concerned authorities to close schools in the affected areas for three days,' said Lakshmi Bhattarai, spokesperson for the education ministry, to Reuters.

Capital regions experienced rainfall up to 322.2 mm (12.7 inches), significantly raising the Bagmati River level. Though the rains eased on Sunday morning, police rescuers were seen working to clear debris and recover bodies from landslides. The disaster underscores the need for improved drainage and infrastructure to cope with such events, exacerbated by unchecked urban development.

(With inputs from agencies.)