Devastating Floods and Landslides Ravage Nepal

Rain-triggered floods and landslides have claimed 125 lives in Nepal, with the highest number of fatalities reported in Kathmandu Valley. Rescue operations are ongoing, with over 3,626 people saved. The extreme weather, resulting from a low-pressure system and climate change factors, has disrupted road networks and destroyed homes.

The death toll from rain-triggered flooding and landslides in Nepal surged to 125 on Sunday, according to police reports.

Large areas of eastern and central Nepal have been inundated since Friday, with flash floods intensifying across the region. The Armed Police Force reported 64 people missing and 61 injured due to landslides and water inundation.

The Kathmandu Valley recorded the highest number of fatalities. Additionally, 322 houses and 16 bridges have been damaged, but rescue operations have saved nearly 3,626 individuals. The Armed Police Force emphasized ongoing rescue efforts.

Eyewitnesses described the flooding as the worst seen in the Kathmandu Valley in 40-45 years. A statement from the Armed Police Force confirmed the death toll had reached 125.

Tragedies included 19 people killed when a bus was buried by a landslide in Dhading district, and five fatalities resulting from a house collapse in Bhaktapur. Furthermore, six football players died in a landslide at a training center in Makwanpur.

Despite a forecast for continued rain until Tuesday, signs of easing were observed on Sunday. Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a Climate and Environmental expert at ICIMOD, noted unprecedented flooding levels in Kathmandu.

The Bagmati River was flowing above danger levels due to heavy rains from a low-pressure system and unusually positioned monsoon trough. Scientists attribute the growing impact of floods to climate change, unplanned development, and construction on floodplains, which compromise water retention and drainage capabilities.

The floods and landslides have destabilized life across many regions, disrupting highways, burying homes and bridges, and displacing hundreds of families. Thousands of passengers are stranded because of road damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)