Monsoon-related floods and landslides are devastating realities for Nepal and much of South Asia, especially during the annual rainy season from June to September. This year, these natural disasters have claimed over 260 lives in Nepal alone, highlighting a growing trend of environmental catastrophes worsened by climate change.
On Sunday, parts of Nepal, including the low-lying neighborhoods of its capital Kathmandu, were submerged following relentless monsoon rains. Police reports confirmed that at least 101 people lost their lives, while 64 others remain missing. The relentless floods and landslides continue to ravage large portions of eastern and central Nepal.
Catastrophic Monsoon Rains Inundate Nepal
Heavy monsoon rains struck Nepal on Friday, leading to widespread flooding and damage across the country. Rivers overflowed, highways were blocked, and entire communities were cut off from vital resources. The country’s weather bureau reported a staggering 240 millimeters (9.4 inches) of rain within 24 hours—making it the most severe rainfall recorded in Kathmandu since 1970.
The Bagmati River and its tributaries swelled beyond their banks, flooding homes, streets, and vehicles. Authorities deployed over 3,000 security personnel, along with helicopters and motorboats, to rescue those trapped by the rising waters. Nearly 3,300 people were rescued as of Sunday, with rescue teams using rafts to pull survivors from their inundated homes. Yet, despite the efforts, the death toll is expected to climb as search and rescue missions continue.
Nepal’s Increasing Vulnerability to Floods and Landslides
Nepal has always faced risks during the monsoon season, but experts are increasingly concerned that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and severity of floods and landslides in the region. As weather patterns shift, extreme rainfall events like this one are becoming more common, leaving Nepal more vulnerable each year.
“The death count has reached 101, and 64 people are still missing,” said police spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki. “We expect these numbers to rise as the search continues in the affected areas.”
Landslides have cut off multiple highways, including key routes that connect Kathmandu to other regions of the country. Hundreds of travelers are stranded as emergency teams work to clear blocked roads and ensure safe passage. Kathmandu’s domestic airport, which had suspended operations due to the severe weather, has resumed flights. More than 150 departures were canceled during the peak of the crisis.
Climate Change: A Growing Threat to South Asia
Experts attribute the increasing number of deadly floods and landslides in Nepal and other parts of South Asia to climate change. The monsoon, which brings 70-80% of the region’s annual rainfall, has always been a challenging season. However, the intensity of these weather events has significantly worsened, leading to more destruction than ever before.
This year’s floods are a stark reminder of the broader climate crisis facing South Asia. In July, a massive landslide in Chitwan district pushed two buses into a river, killing at least 20 people. Flash floods have been reported in multiple rivers across eastern and central Nepal, and the country’s infrastructure has struggled to withstand the onslaught of extreme weather.
In 2024 alone, over 260 people have died in rain-related disasters in Nepal, making this one of the deadliest monsoon seasons in recent history. The constant rise in these death tolls reflects the growing impact of climate change in the region.
Efforts to Mitigate the Impact
Nepal’s government has been working on several disaster risk reduction measures to better prepare for natural disasters like floods and landslides. While rescue and relief teams have saved thousands of lives, the challenges of reaching remote areas and clearing blocked roads have hindered efforts. The ongoing rescue missions remain urgent, as many survivors are stranded without access to food, clean water, or medical care.
In Kathmandu, the local government is addressing the widespread flooding that has submerged entire neighborhoods. Relief teams are working around the clock to clear debris, provide shelter to displaced families, and prevent further loss of life.
The Road Ahead for Nepal
As Nepal faces another deadly monsoon season, the country is confronted with the grim reality that such events are becoming more frequent and intense. With experts warning of more unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change, the future remains uncertain for this Himalayan republic.
The current disaster serves as a wake-up call not only for Nepal but also for the global community to take urgent action on climate change. As rescue teams continue their efforts, the country is left grappling with the long-term effects of environmental degradation and an ever-increasing need for resilience in the face of climate-induced disasters.
For now, the focus remains on finding the 64 people still missing and ensuring that communities are safe from further harm. The monsoon season, which extends until September, is far from over, and the people of Nepal brace for what could be more weeks of devastation.
Conclusion
The devastating floods and landslides that have ravaged Nepal are a stark reminder of the increasing impacts of climate change on South Asia. As communities struggle to recover from this year’s monsoon rains, it’s clear that both national and global action is necessary to mitigate future disasters. Until then, Nepal remains at the mercy of nature’s forces, with countless lives and livelihoods hanging in the balance.
