Deadly Flooding in Nepal's Capital Claims 32 Lives
- Heavy rainfall in Kathmandu, Nepal, has led to severe flooding and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
- Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities recovering bodies from buried vehicles and assessing the damage across the region.
- The government has closed schools and colleges for three days as the situation remains critical, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure to handle such disasters.
In Nepal, particularly in the capital city of Kathmandu, torrential rains have caused catastrophic flooding and landslides, leading to a rising death toll of at least 148 individuals. The heavy rainfall, which began on a Friday and intensified over the weekend, has overwhelmed infrastructure, inundating homes and businesses in low-lying areas. Aerial footage reveals the extent of the disaster, with many residents stranded and vehicles buried under landslides. Rescue operations have been initiated, with teams recovering bodies from buses and other vehicles trapped in the debris. The police reported that at least 101 people have been injured, and dozens remain unaccounted for. The situation has prompted the government to declare a three-day closure of schools and colleges across the nation, particularly in flood-affected regions, to ensure the safety of students and facilitate recovery efforts. The monsoon season, which typically runs from June to mid-September, has been exacerbated by climate change, leading to unprecedented rainfall levels. Experts have pointed to poor urban planning and inadequate drainage systems as contributing factors to the severity of the flooding. The Bagmati River, a significant waterway in the region, has overflowed, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts. As the weather improves, authorities are focusing on clearing blocked highways and restoring access to affected areas. The need for better infrastructure and disaster preparedness has become increasingly evident, as communities grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster.