The 2024 Nepal floods were the byproduct of torrential rainfall in early July and late September, which caused significant flooding across the nation as well as several mudslides.
| Date | July 2024 – ongoing |
|---|---|
| Location | Nepal, primarily its Eastern and Southeastern regions |
| Cause | Climate change, urbanization near flood plains and poor drainage infrastructure |
| Deaths | 170+ |
| Missing | 72+ |
Floods
editThe annual monsoon season typically begins in June, and lasts until September. Flooding in Nepal coincided with 2024 floods in neighboring and nearby states of India, such as Uttar Pradesh and Assam. Nepalese weather official Binu Maharjan stated that a low-pressure system lingering over nearby regions of India and over the Bay of Bengal was the primary cause of the increased and prolonged flooding in 2024.[1][2] In response, several flood warnings were issued by the Nepalese government, along with a ban on traveling on highways at night and a warning against driving cars in general due to the risk of accidents or being caught in deadly flooding or mudslides.[3]
Beginning on 26 September, torrential levels of rain impacted most of the country, bringing the most rainfall to the nation's Eastern and Southeastern regions. Southeastern Nepal saw the Kosi River's water level surpass the danger level.[1][2] Kathmandu Valley received 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain over a period of 24 hours from the mornings of 28-29 September, representing the capital's largest recorded rainfall since 1970 at the latest.[4]
Impact
editAt least fourteen people were killed by flooding in early July, with nine more being reported missing.[5]
In late September, at least 100 deaths were recorded, with thirty-four victims found in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu, which was severely inundated by the flooding and overflowing of the banks of nearby rivers, including a large section in the south of the city. Kathmandu was also cut off from transport as a result of landslides destroying highways to and from the city. In addition, fourteen bodies were recovered from two buses that were traveling to Kathmandu before being struck by and buried in a landslide. Many more vehicles were found to have been buried nearby the buses. Nepalese media described the rainfall as the worst that Kathmandu had suffered from in decades.[1][2][4]
Over 170 Nepalese residents in total were reported to have been killed as a result of flooding in 2024 by 29 September, with 126 having been killed by rainfall in late September.[1][2] Sixty people were reported injured, while another 3,010 required rescue[4] and 63 more were reported missing.[6]
Debris and damage to roads caused the obstruction of highways at twenty-eight locations.[1]
Response
editOver 3,000 security personnel from all forces, including the army, were assigned to aid rescue and recovery operations using motorboats and helicopters.[1][4]
On 27 September, all domestic flights departing from Kathmandu were cancelled, impacting over 150 departures.[1] Nepalese schools and universities were shut down for three days.[2]
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development stated that improper investment into Nepal's infrastructure and its poor planning contributed to the magnitude of the disaster. More specifically, unplanned settlement, construction and urbanization on floodplains, a lack of areas to hold water, and growing human settlement along the Bagmati River were each noted as significant contributors to the scale of the tragedy. The center insisted that the government invest more in its infrastructure, including flood prevention mechanisms such as underground stormwater systems.[3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g "Nepal floods and landslides death toll tops 100, dozens still missing". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ a b c d e "Nepal floods, landslides leave 104 people dead – DW – 09/29/2024". dw.com. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ a b "Floods, landslides wreak havoc in Nepal: At least 100 dead, dozens missing". The Indian Express. 2024-09-29. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ a b c d "Flooding and landslides in Nepal kill at least 66 people, with as many again still missing". AP News. 2024-09-28. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ "Photos: 14 killed in Nepal as flooding grips South Asia". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ "More than 100 killed and 64 missing as flooding and landslides hit Nepal". The Guardian. 2024-09-29. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
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