Floods in Nepal, 101 people died

Many areas in eastern and central Nepal have been flooded since September 27, flash floods appeared on some rivers and many roads were severely damaged. The Nepal Meteorological Department said on September 28 that the Kathmandu valley recorded 240 mm of rain in 24 hours, the highest level since 1970.

The Bagmati River and its tributaries flowing through the capital Kathmandu overflowed their banks, submerging many houses and vehicles in the area. Many people have to wade through chest-deep water to reach higher ground.

“101 people died and 64 people are missing due to floods,” Nepal police spokesman Dan Bahadur Karki announced today. “We are continuing search and rescue in affected areas, the death toll may continue to rise.”

Nepal dispatched more than 3,000 security personnel along with helicopters and motorboats to participate in the rescue, nearly 3,300 people were rescued as of September 29. Rescue teams also used rafts to bring survivors to safety.

Landslides blocked several roads connecting Kathmandu with the rest of Nepal, trapping hundreds of people. “Around eight places were blocked by landslides,” said traffic police officer Bishwaraj Khadka.

Heavy rain on September 27 caused more than 150 flights departing from Kathmandu to be canceled. Domestic flights from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu have now resumed.

The monsoon in June-September every year brings heavy rain to South Asia, accounting for 70-80% of the region’s annual rainfall, causing many floods and landslides. Experts warn climate change is increasing their frequency and severity.

More than 260 people died in Nepal in flood-related disasters this year. A landslide occurred on a route through Nepal’s Chitwan district in July, pushing two buses carrying a total of 59 passengers into the river. Three people escaped death, Nepali authorities only found 20 bodies.