Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
Deadly Floods and Landslides in Nepal: An Examination of the Catastrophic Impact and Underlying Causes
Nepal, a country regularly affected by monsoon rains, has once again faced a devastating natural disaster. This time, severe floods and landslides have claimed at least 148 lives, injured over 100 people, and displaced thousands across the country. The event highlights the significant challenges posed by monsoonal patterns exacerbated by climate change, as well as the long term vulnerabilities in Nepal’s disaster management infrastructure. This article explores the extent of the disaster, the immediate responses, and the broader context surrounding floods and landslides in Nepal.
Extent of the Disaster: Death, Destruction, and Displacement
Fatalities and Missing Persons
According to the latest reports from Nepalese authorities, more than 148 people have lost their lives due to massive floods and landslides, triggered by two consecutive days of intense rainfall. Police indicate that more than 50 people are still missing, highlighting the potential for the death toll to rise. Many victims were swept away by floodwaters, buried under landslides, or trapped in collapsed homes and vehicles.
Inundation in Kathmandu Valley
The Kathmandu Valley, home to Nepal's capital city, was particularly hard hit. The area saw widespread flooding, with reports indicating that thousands of homes were inundated. Residents described jumping from one rooftop to another to escape the rapidly rising waters. An estimated 3,600 individuals have been rescued so far, but many remain trapped or displaced as search and rescue efforts continue.
Landslides and Flash Floods: Major Highways Blocked
Landslides have compounded the destruction caused by flash floods, burying vehicles and blocking key transportation routes. The Prithvi Highway, which connects the capital to the rest of the country, was particularly affected, with at least 35 bodies recovered from vehicles buried under landslides. Similarly, in the city of Bhaktapur, to the east of Kathmandu, a landslide claimed five lives when it caused a house to collapse. Other highways and roads have been blocked, isolating entire communities and complicating relief efforts.
Personal Stories of Survival and Loss
Residents Jump from Roof to Roof
For many residents in flood-affected areas, survival was a matter of quick reflexes and sheer luck. People recounted how they escaped the floodwaters by jumping from one rooftop to another in a desperate attempt to reach safer, elevated ground. One survivor described how their house became completely submerged, leaving them with no choice but to cut through the roof and escape before the water reached lethal levels. Others were less fortunate, as many families found themselves trapped in their homes or vehicles with little chance of survival.
Tragedy on Prithvi Highway and in Football Fields
The floods and landslides took an emotional toll on local communities. A tragic example occurred in Makwanpur, where six football players were killed when a landslide hit a training center. Meanwhile, rescue workers have been pulling bodies from vehicles buried under mud and debris on the Prithvi Highway. Despite the rescue efforts, many are still missing, adding to the collective grief felt by the nation.
Government Response: Mobilizing Resources for Rescue and Relief
Search and Rescue Operations
In response to the disaster, the Nepalese government has mobilized 10,000 police officers, as well as members of the army and thousands of volunteers. Helicopters and inflatable rafts have been deployed in areas that are difficult to access, and emergency workers have rescued thousands of stranded residents. These efforts are ongoing, with hopes that more lives will be saved despite the destruction.
Infrastructure Damage and Disruption
The flooding has also caused significant damage to critical infrastructure. Telephone lines, power supplies, and water pipelines have been severely disrupted in the affected areas. While the rain has started to ease in some parts of the country, large portions of Nepal remain cut off from vital resources due to damaged roads and bridges. The government has issued advisories urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially at night, and restricted nighttime driving in the Kathmandu Valley.
The Monsoon Challenge: Floods and Landslides as an Annual Threat
Nepal’s Vulnerability to Monsoon Disasters
Every year, Nepal experiences heavy monsoon rains that lead to floods and landslides, particularly in the mountainous regions. The country’s topography and underdeveloped infrastructure make it highly susceptible to natural disasters. This year’s monsoon season, however, has been particularly severe, causing one of the most devastating events in recent history.
Impact on Transportation and Air Travel
The transportation sector has been heavily impacted by this disaster. Major highways connecting the capital to other parts of the country have been blocked by landslides, significantly slowing down rescue and relief efforts. Air travel has also been affected, with numerous domestic flights canceled or delayed due to adverse weather conditions.
Climate Change: Intensifying Monsoon Patterns
Rising Rainfall and Unpredictability
While floods and landslides are a regular feature of Nepal’s monsoon season, scientists warn that the intensity and frequency of such events are increasing due to climate change. Warmer air can hold more moisture, resulting in heavier rainfall. In addition, rising ocean temperatures can fuel storm systems, making them more erratic and difficult to predict.
Long Term Implications for Nepal
Nepal is among the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. As rainfall events become more severe, the country faces increasing risks of future floods, landslides, and other natural disasters. This places immense pressure on the nation’s government and disaster management systems to not only respond effectively to immediate crises but also to develop long-term adaptation strategies.
Global and Local Responses: Mobilizing Aid and Resources
International Aid and Relief Efforts
In light of the disaster, international aid organizations are expected to step in to provide relief. In past events, Nepal has relied on the assistance of the United Nations, the Red Cross, and neighboring countries such as India and China to provide essential supplies, medical care, and rebuilding assistance.
Local Resilience and Community Efforts
Despite the scale of the disaster, local communities have shown resilience and solidarity. Volunteers have been instrumental in helping rescue efforts, with many offering shelter and food to those displaced by the floods. The importance of community-driven responses to natural disasters cannot be overstated, especially in a country where government resources are often stretched thin.
Conclusion: Preparing for an Uncertain Future
Nepal’s recent floods and landslides underscore the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation strategies. While rescue efforts continue, the country must also look toward building resilient infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and addressing the long term impacts of climate change. As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, it is clear that both local and global actions are necessary to protect vulnerable communities from the worst effects of future events.
