Post by : Rameen Ariff

Parts of Nepal have been hit hard by heavy rains since Friday, causing devastating floods and landslides that have killed at least 42 people and left five others missing, authorities said on Sunday. The persistent downpours have inundated multiple regions, prompting disaster management officials to issue warnings about rising water levels in several rivers.

The eastern district of Illam has suffered the worst impact, with 37 fatalities reported due to landslides triggered by heavy overnight rainfall. Local officials explained that blocked roads and landslides have made some areas extremely difficult to reach, forcing rescue teams to travel on foot to provide aid. Shanti Mahat, spokeswoman for Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, confirmed the casualties and emphasized the urgent need for rescue and relief operations.

In Kathmandu, the swollen rivers have flooded nearby settlements, forcing residents to evacuate and causing significant disruption to daily life. Security personnel, including police and army teams, have been deployed to assist with rescue operations. Helicopters and motorboats are being used to reach stranded residents and provide emergency supplies.

The landslides have also blocked major highways, complicating relief efforts and leaving hundreds of travelers stranded. Many of those affected were returning from the Hindu festival of Dashain when the floods and landslides struck. Flight operations across the country have been disrupted, with airlines forced to cancel or delay several flights due to unsafe conditions caused by flooding and landslide debris.

Monsoon rains in Nepal, which usually occur from June to September, are known to cause widespread damage, but experts say that climate change has worsened their frequency, intensity, and unpredictability. In recent years, the number of deaths and the scale of destruction from monsoon-related disasters in South Asia have increased significantly.

Authorities continue to monitor river levels and warn residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert. Disaster management teams are coordinating with local authorities to provide shelter, food, and medical care to affected communities. Officials are urging the public to follow safety instructions, avoid risky areas, and report any emergencies promptly.

The recent floods and landslides in Nepal highlight the ongoing vulnerability of the country to extreme weather events and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and climate adaptation measures to protect lives and property.

#world news #Global News