14 Dead in 72 Hours as Relentless Rainfall Wreaks Havoc in Nepal
Relentless rainfall in Nepal has claimed 14 lives in 72 hours, triggering landslides, river overflows, and massive infrastructure damage.
A devastating spell of continuous rainfall has gripped Nepal, claiming at least 14 lives over the last three days. The Himalayan nation is currently battling widespread inundation, severe flooding, and deadly landslides that have triggered emergency alerts across multiple regions.
Tragedy in Myagdi and Baglung Districts
The death toll rose sharply following specific landslide incidents on Sunday morning. In the Myagdi District, authorities confirmed that four individuals lost their lives in the Annapurna Village Council. Bharat Kumar Pun, the Chairperson of the Village Council, confirmed the fatalities to news agencies.
The devastation extended to the neighboring Baglung District, where another landslide struck the Nishikhola Village Council. According to Deputy Chairperson Prem Bahadur Gharti Magar, four more people were buried and killed in Ward Number 3, Hardra. The situation in Baglung has been further complicated by the Kaligandaki River, which has swept away vital infrastructure, including houses and bridges, cutting off essential road connectivity.
Narayani River Crosses Warning Levels
In Central Nepal, the threat of flooding has reached a critical stage. On Sunday morning, the Narayani River surged past the 9-meter warning threshold, breaching its banks and entering local settlements. This has prompted authorities to issue urgent warnings to all residents living along the riverbanks.
The impact on transportation has been severe. Major highways leading to Chitwan—a vital transit hub for the country—remain blocked due to multiple landslides, complicating movement and logistics across the nation.
Rescue Operations Hindered by Weather
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that at least six people died between Thursday and Saturday evening. As the downpour continues, rescue efforts are facing significant obstacles. Officials noted that landslides at various locations are actively hindering search and rescue operations, with weather conditions continuing to deteriorate.
Security forces have been deployed across several districts to conduct mass evacuations. Thousands of residents are being moved to safer ground as the risk of further flooding and inundation remains high.
A Nation Still Recovering from Previous Catastrophe
This recent wave of disasters comes on the heels of the massive Bhotekoshi Floods that struck just a month ago. That tragedy, which hit the Rasuwa district and affected Nuwakot and Dhading, resulted in a staggering loss of life, with over 1,400 people dead and more than 6,000 still missing.
The scale of infrastructure damage from the previous floods was immense, including:
- Hydropower: Damage to eight operating projects (281 MW) and four under-construction projects (388 MW), disrupting over 431 MW of power generation.
- Roads: Heavy destruction of the Galchhi–Betrawati–Rasuwagadhi road and the Prithvi Highway.
- Bridges: The loss of 48 suspension bridges and 31 motorable bridges.