Severe Flooding in Nepal Claims 66 Lives as Monsoon Delays Persist.
Kathmandu, Nepal:
The death toll from severe flooding and landslides in Nepal has risen to at least 66 and over 60 injured since Friday morning, according to home ministry official Dil Kumar Tamang. Most fatalities have occurred in the Kathmandu Valley, home to four million residents, where torrential rains have brought daily life to a standstill.
Rescue operations are underway, with helicopters and rubber boats deployed to assist people stranded on rooftops and elevated areas. Reports indicate that some parts of Kathmandu experienced up to 322.2 millimeters of rainfall in just one day.
Rivers throughout the country have swelled dangerously, overflowing roads and bridges after nearly a week of continuous rain linked to a low-pressure system over neighboring India. Police spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki reported that landslides have blocked highways in 28 locations, complicating rescue efforts as crews work to clear debris.
Weather forecasting official Binu Maharjan indicated that heavy rainfall is expected to continue until Sunday morning, after which conditions may improve. Central and eastern regions have experienced rainfall ranging from 50mm to over 200mm.
While international flights at Kathmandu Airport are operating, many domestic flights have been disrupted due to the adverse weather conditions. The Koshi River, known for causing devastating floods in India, is currently flowing at 450,000 cusecs—well above the danger level of 150,000 cusecs.
As monsoon season continues, officials warn that hundreds of fatalities typically occur annually due to landslides and flash floods in the mountainous terrain.
