Extreme rainfall leaves over 260 dead or missing in Nepal
Floods caused by extreme rainfall since Thursday, September 26, 2024, have claimed more than 130 lives across Nepal. On Saturday, September 28, the country saw the heaviest rainfall in 54 years after 323 mm (12.7 inches) of rainfall was recorded in just 24 hours. Around 136 people remain missing while over 3 000 people have been rescued so far.
Severe flooding in Nepal's Kathamandu Valley after continuing heavy rains since Thursday, September 26, 2024. Image credit: News on AIR
- Severe flooding in Nepal caused by heavy rainfall since Thursday has resulted in more than 130 deaths, with 112 reported over the weekend of September 28 and 29.
- Record-breaking rainfall occurred on Saturday, with 323 mm (12.7 inches) of rain in 24 hours, breaching several rivers, including the Bagmati River in Kathmandu.
- Rescue operations have saved over 3 200 people, but around 136 remain missing, with the death toll and disaster impact expected to rise as flooding and landslides continue.
Heavy rainfall since Thursday, September 26 has caused severe flooding and landslides across Nepal. Approximately 133 people have been reported dead so far, with 112 deaths reported between Saturday and Sunday, September 29, alone.
On Saturday, Nepal recorded its highest rainfall in 54 years after receiving 323 mm (12.7 inches) of rain in 24 hours. Several rivers, including the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, have breached their banks due to the incessant rainfall.
More than 48 deaths occurred in Kathmandu, 34 in Kavrepalanchok, 20 in Lalitpur, 15 in Dhading, seven in Makwanpur, five in Panchthar, and four in Sindhupalchok.
At least 200 instances of floods and landslides have been reported so far, and the toll is expected to increase.
According to officials, more than 3 200 people have been rescued so far.
Approximately 100 people have been reported injured and around 136 people are missing, according to latest reports.
Around 1 500 people have been rescued from the Kathmandu Valley, 853 from Koshi, 56 from Madhesh, and 494 from Bagmati. Among the missing, nine were from Koshi, one from Madhesh, 21 from Kathmandu Valley, 39 from Bagmati, and two from Lumbini. 64 people have gone missing from other districts, including five in Panchthar, four in Jhapa, and five in Sindhupalchok.
Over 3 000 security personnel have been deployed for search and rescue operations across the country, along with helicopters and motorboats.
According to the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA), more than 412 000 households are expected to be affected by monsoon-related disasters across the nation.
References:
1 Nepal: Rain-induced flood caused 101 deaths, houses & bridges damaged; over 3000 people rescued – News on AIR – September 29, 2024
2 112 killed in Nepal due to heavy rain, floods, 68 missing – India Today -September 29, 2024
3 Nepal Floods and Landslides: 112 dead, 68 missing as heavy rainfall causes widespread destruction – Economic Times – September 29, 2024
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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