Nepal and Bangladesh Reeling from Devastating Floods and Landslides

Nepal and Bangladesh are facing severe flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains, with hundreds dead, many missing, and significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture. Poor urban planning and climate change have exacerbated the disasters, highlighting the need for better preparedness and infrastructure planning in both countries.

Nepal began on Monday to grapple with damage wrought by deadly floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains, as residents faced the daunting task of cleaning homes and extracting their broken belongings from mud.

At least 192 people have died and 32 are still missing after two days of incessant rains caused by a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal and areas in India bordering Nepal. In northern Bangladesh, more than 100,000 people are stranded following heavy rains and onrush of water from upstream, officials said.

Hill-ringed Kathmandu Valley, home to four million people and the capital, saw 56 deaths. Rivers spilled over their banks, flooding homes, hospitals, roads, bridges, and markets. Prithvi Subba Gurung, a senior minister, said the government was assessing the extent of damage and the cost of rebuilding.

Some weather stations in Kathmandu recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall in decades, officials said. Surya Raj Acharya, an infrastructure expert, noted that haphazard construction and urbanisation without proper planning contributed significantly to the damage.

"River banks are encroached by people for construction of houses, ignoring the basic enforcement of engineering and planning, without provisions for drainage and sewage system," he explained. "There is no adequate outlet for river water during the rainy season which causes the floods to enter homes," Acharya added.

Climate scientists echoed these views, stressing that climate change played a significant role in exacerbating the disaster. Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a climate risks expert, emphasized the need to consider geography, terrain, and climate patterns in urban planning.

In Bangladesh, vast areas in five northern districts have been submerged after the Teesta River swelled suddenly, crossing its danger mark at several points. Farmland has been devastated, forcing many farmers to face severe losses. Homes, roads, and critical infrastructure have also been affected, with people fleeing to higher ground for safety.

The situation could worsen, with the Bangladesh weather office warning of more rain.

(With inputs from agencies.)