The devastating floods and landslides from last Friday have resulted in the deaths of at least 192 people in Nepal, according to PTI reports. Rescue efforts are underway to find people missing following the disaster caused by heavy rainfall. According to the police, 30 people are still missing.
Many areas of the Himalayan nation have been submerged since Friday. A police official noted that around 200 incidents of floods and landslides have been reported, though this number is expected to rise.
Rain-related disasters are a frequent occurrence in South Asia during the monsoon season. However, experts assert that the intensity and frequency of these events are escalating due to climate change.
On Saturday, Nepal experienced unprecedented rainfall, recording 323 millimeters within a 24-hour period—the highest in 54 years. More than 3,000 security personnel have been dispatched to aid rescue operations using helicopters and motorboats, as the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA) anticipates that 412,000 households may be impacted by monsoon-related disasters.
Rivers surrounding the capital, Kathmandu, overflowed, flooding nearby homes. The Bagmati, Kathmandu's main river, is also flowing above danger levels due to the heavy rains.
Visuals emerged of individuals perched atop buildings or wading through muddy waters in search of safety. Videos also depicted rescue teams employing rafts to bring survivors to safety.
In another clip, a building was seen collapsing under the force of the rushing water. Numerous highways have become impassable due to the floods, impacting travelers and those attempting to reach safer, unaffected regions.
