Devastation in Nepal: Deadly Floods and Landslides
In a tragic turn of events, major floods and landslides have wreaked havoc in Nepal, claiming the lives of at least 148 individuals and leaving over 100 injured, as confirmed by the police.
Following two days of relentless rainfall that submerged the valley surrounding Kathmandu, more than 50 people are still unaccounted for, with over 3,600 individuals rescued so far.
Residents recount harrowing tales of leaping from roof to roof to evade the rising waters that have deluged thousands of homes, while rescue operations utilizing helicopters and inflatable rafts continue.
Despite forecasts predicting continued rain until Tuesday, there were glimmers of hope on Sunday as some residents were able to return to their homes, albeit covered in mud, while others remain stranded with major roads blocked between towns and villages.
Tragically, the death toll continues to rise due to flash floods and landslides, with 35 bodies recovered from vehicles buried under landslides on Prithvi Highway near Kathmandu.
Multiple major motorways linking Kathmandu to other parts of the country remain impassable due to landslides, exacerbating the crisis.
Reports emerged of five individuals, including a pregnant woman and a young girl, losing their lives when a house collapsed under a landslide in Bhaktapur, while two bodies were recovered from a bus buried by a landslide in Dhading.
Tragedy struck the sports community as well, with six football players perishing in a landslide at a training center in Makwanpur, southwest of the capital.
Amidst the chaos, eyewitnesses describe heart-wrenching scenes of individuals being swept away by floodwaters, with one witness recounting how four people pleaded for help as they were carried away by the Nakkhu River.
As survivors grapple with the aftermath, stories of loss and resilience emerge, such as Hari Om Malla’s account of losing his truck to the floodwaters in Kathmandu.
Government officials and rescue teams are working tirelessly to navigate the crisis, with 10,000 police officers, volunteers, and army personnel mobilized for search and rescue operations.
The Nepalese government has issued warnings urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and implemented restrictions on night driving in the Kathmandu valley, while air travel has been disrupted due to the adverse weather conditions.
While monsoon season typically brings floods and landslides to Nepal, scientists caution that the intensifying rainfall events may be attributed to climate change, with a warmer atmosphere holding more moisture and warming ocean waters fueling erratic storm systems.
As Nepal grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster, the resilience and bravery of its people shine through amidst the devastation.
