Rising Death Toll in Nepal Amid Severe Floods and Landslides

Massive wave about to hit a city skyline.

The death toll from recent floods and landslides in Nepal has risen to 148, with rescue efforts still underway to find the missing.

At a Glance

  • Floods and landslides in Nepal have resulted in 170 deaths and 42 people missing.
  • Large areas of eastern and central Nepal have been inundated since Friday.
  • 111 people have sustained injuries in flood-related incidents.
  • The Nepal Army has airlifted 162 individuals and rescued approximately 4,000 people.
  • National highways have been blocked due to landslides, leaving hundreds stranded.

Rising Death Toll and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Floods and landslides in Nepal have caused widespread destruction, leading to 170 deaths and leaving 42 individuals missing. The intense rainfall has particularly affected the Kathmandu region, where rescuers have been recovering bodies from vehicles and buses buried by landslides. Despite forecasts of continued rain until Tuesday, conditions showed signs of easing on Sunday. The death toll remains expected to rise as more reports emerge from villages across the country.

The Nepal Army has been actively involved in rescue operations, airlifting 162 individuals and rescuing nearly 4,000 people from affected areas. All security agencies have been mobilized, and efforts are ongoing to clear obstructed highways. Transport has resumed on the Tribhuvan Highway, but many national highways remain blocked, stranding hundreds of passengers and making rescue operations more challenging.

Impact on Infrastructures and Communities

Homes and infrastructure have suffered severe damage due to the floods. At least 322 houses and 16 bridges have been destroyed across Nepal. In the Kathmandu Valley, the Bagmati River is flowing above danger levels, exacerbating the flooding. Strategic locations, including roads and bridges, have been critically damaged, hampering daily life and rescue efforts.

“Eyewitnesses have reported unprecedented flooding in the Kathmandu Valley, with some stating they have never seen such devastation in 40-45 years.” – Source:

Among the fatalities were 19 individuals who died when a bus was buried in a landslide in the Dhading district. Similarly, five people lost their lives when a house collapsed under a landslide in Bhaktapur. In a particularly tragic incident, six football players were killed in a landslide at a training center in Makwanpur. Daily life continues to be severely disrupted, with families displaced and highways yet to be fully navigable.

Weather Patterns and Emergency Response

The intense rainfall has been attributed to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal coupled with an unusually positioned monsoon trough. Climate experts have also noted that climate change and unplanned construction on floodplains have exacerbated the effects of the flooding. “I’ve never before seen flooding on this scale in Kathmandu,” said Arun Bhakta Shrestha, Climate and Environmental expert at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

Despite the challenging conditions, relief efforts continue tirelessly. Relief materials, including food grains, have been distributed to those rescued. Meals have been provided to 400 individuals in areas like Balkhu, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Schools and colleges across Nepal have been closed for the next three days to ensure safety and coordination of relief efforts.

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