Nepal floods and landslides claim 200 lives, thousands displaced

The death toll from landslides and floods in Nepal has climbed to 200, with most casualties occurring in the valley surrounding the capital, Kathmandu, over the past two days.

Oct 01, 2024

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A damaged vehicle is seen amid mud and debris in a flood-affected area following heavy monsoon rains in Kathmandu on September 29, 2024. - Residents of Nepal's flood-hit capital returned to their mud-caked homes on September 29, to survey the wreckage of devastating floods that have killed at least 104 people across the Himalayan republic. (Photo by PRAKASH MATHEMA / AFP)

According to authorities, 194 more people have been injured, and 30 others are still reported missing as search and rescue operations continue. Around 4,500 individuals have been rescued but the devastation has left dozens of homes destroyed.

The Saptari district has been particularly hard-hit, with over 1,000 homes submerged by floodwaters. Local authorities estimate that nearly 3,300 homes have been destroyed nationwide, and at least 14 bridges have been damaged, disrupting transportation and access to affected communities.

In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Prakashman Singh convened an emergency meeting with all political forces on Sunday. He urged citizens to act with unity and brotherhood, emphasizing that the government had mobilized all available resources to address the impact of the ongoing monsoon rains.

Approximately 400 flights were canceled between Friday and Saturday due to the severe weather, and many roads remain blocked by landslides. One of the deadliest incidents occurred along the Prithvi Highway in Jyaplekhola, where at least 35 bodies were recovered from vehicles, including a submerged bus. Several cars remain stranded in the debris, according to police reports.--licas.news