Record-breaking rain triggers catastrophic flooding

Landslides and floods resulting from days of monsoon rains have claimed at least 148 lives across Nepal even as rescue teams continue their search for dozens of missing individuals. Authorities reported recovery of bodies from vehicles buried under landslide debris near Kathmandu.

Clearer weather on Sunday allowed rescue teams to intensify search and rescue operations, although Kathmandu remains isolated, with major routes connecting the city with the rest of the country blocked by debris. Rescuers pulled 35 bodies from three buses buried under debris at a landslide site in Dhunibeshi municipality-9 (Dhading district), as workers continued to sift through the wreckage in search of survivors.

According to police, recent disasters have left 86 people injured while at least 59 people caught in disasters remain unaccounted for. The death toll is expected to rise with reports from remote areas, many of which remain cut off due to flooding and landslides, still awaited.

In southern Kathmandu, floodwaters have started to recede, allowing residents to clean their homes. The Kathmandu Valley has suffered significant losses, with at least 68 lives lost.

Rescue efforts have been bolstered by the involvement of both police and military personnel, who are using heavy machinery to clear the debris from roads and residential areas. In response to the widespread destruction, the government has ordered the closure of schools and colleges across Nepal for three days.

The annual monsoon, which enters Nepal in June and withdraws by mid-September (generally), often leads to destructive flooding and landslides, exacerbating the country’s challenges in coping with the natural disasters that frequently accompany the rainy season.

The Kathmandu Valley faced a devastating natural disaster over the weekend as an unprecedented 240 millimeters (9.4 inches) of rain fell within 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning—the heaviest rainfall recorded since at least 1970.

Flood-affected residents, most of them living near river banks, began returning to their mud-caked on Sunday to assess the damage. Rain-swollen rivers in Kathmandu Valley breached banks and several settlements, causing significant damage to properties. Many neighborhoods were waterlogged, requiring security personnel to conduct emergency rescue operations.  

Heavy rainfall has also damaged the roads and highways leading to the Kathmandu Valley isolating Kathmandu from the rest of Nepal. Over 3,000 personnel are involved in rescue efforts, utilizing bulldozers to clear debris-laden roads. Rafts and helicopters have been deployed to assist rescue teams to reach stranded survivors.

By Sunday morning, domestic flights resumed after severe weather conditions halted all air traffic from Friday evening, resulting in more than 150 flight cancellations. The situation remains critical as authorities continue their search for missing persons and work to provide relief to those affected by the catastrophic floods and landslides.

Rs 2.45bn loss in energy sector

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation has reported significant damage to the energy sector, estimating losses at around Rs 2.45bn due to recent floods and landslides. Energy Minister Deepak Khadka stated that floods and landslides have resulted in the suspension of 1,100 MW of electricity production. In addition to losses in power generation, damages to irrigation infrastructure are estimated at Rs 1.35bn. Kulman Ghising, the executive director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, confirmed that the Tamakoshi Hydropower Project has been shut down for three days. He warned that if the project remains closed for an extended period, it could lead to issues in load management.

Beyond the Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, damage has been reported in other critical areas, including two towers in the Kabeli Corridor. Furthermore, 200 MW of power production has been disrupted after the Tamakoshi River swept away the Khimti Tower, which is crucial for transmitting electricity to Kathmandu. The Ministry of Energy highlighted that an additional tower responsible for transmitting 800 MW of electricity in Tamakoshi is currently at risk.

Fifteen under-construction projects, collectively with a capacity of 1,000 MW, have also suffered significant damage. 

Young footballers killed

In a tragic incident, six teenage footballers lost their lives in a landslide in Sisneri, Indrasarowar Rural Municipality-3, while returning from training at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) Academy. The players, students of Shree Batsala Devi Secondary School, were caught in the landslide on Saturday.

Their bodies were airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu by an army helicopter. The grieving families of the deceased are demanding clear information and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their death. They have stated they will not accept the bodies until they receive satisfactory answers from ANFA.

Koshi records second-biggest flood

The Saptakoshi region experienced its second-largest flood since the construction of the Koshi Barrage in 1962, with water flow reaching a staggering 661,005 cusecs on Sunday morning. This follows the record flood of 788,200 cusecs recorded on 5 Oct 1968.

As the water levels surged, authorities opened all 56 gates of the barrage to mitigate the risk of further flooding. By Sunday afternoon, the water began to recede, providing some relief to the area. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, assessing the risks from high water levels.

Similarly, the dam gates of the Kulekhani Reservoir were briefly opened on Saturday morning after the reservoir exceeded its danger mark of 1,530 meters. The gates were closed after 12 hours when the water level decreased to 1,525meters.

All three hydropower projects at Kulekhani—Kulekhani 1, 2, and 3—are now operating at full capacity, generating a total of 106 MW of electricity. 

Nepali Army Lt Col dies

Lieutenant Colonel Milan KC of the Nepali Army lost his life in a landslide while attempting to rescue one of his friends in Sindhupalchok. According to Brigadier General Gaurav KC, spokesperson for the Army, Lt Col KC, who was stationed at the Nepali Military Academy in Kharipati, was visiting the area with friends.

The group was staying at the Sindhu Beach Resort in Sunkoshi Rural Municipality-4 when the landslide struck. Lt Col KC was reportedly trying to rescue a Korean friend when he got trapped in the debris. The condition of the Korean citizen remains unknown.

25 rescued from Sri Lanka island

A rescue operation successfully evacuated 25 people stranded on Sri Lanka Island in Barahakshetra Municipality-6, following flooding from the Saptakoshi River. The stranded individuals, mainly farmers tending to buffaloes, had been trapped since Friday due to rising water levels that rendered the area inaccessible.

Rescue efforts began on Saturday morning after the water flow in the Koshi River decreased. The stranded individuals were safely evacuated by boat, marking a successful end to the operation.

Over 161 people rescued via air

More than 161 people were successfully rescued by Nepali Army helicopters over the weekend, as swiftly moving flood waters hampered ground rescue operations. In Kavre alone, 83 individuals were evacuated and relocated to safety. Three helicopters were deployed for rescue efforts in the region.

The Army, at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been conducting air rescues to assist citizens at risk due to recent disasters. Similarly, 13 people were rescued in the Kathmandu Valley, 33 in Sindhuli, and 32 in Makwanpur.

All-party meeting prioritizes rescue efforts

An all-party meeting held on Sunday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singhadurbar concluded with a commitment to prioritize search and rescue operations for victims of recent floods and landslides. The meeting emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among political parties, all levels of government, and the private sector in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation initiatives.

Government Spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that the meeting called upon the private sector, citizens, and organizations to contribute to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund. The decision was made to facilitate the safe evacuation of stranded travelers affected by the disasters, with collaboration from the District Disaster Management Committee, the District Transport Association, and security personnel.

Additionally, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply will work with the private sector to ensure the provision of essential goods, including food, vegetables, fruits, and gas, at affordable prices. The meeting also agreed to assess the damage to infrastructure and the agricultural sector caused by the floods, including bridges, roads, schools, health posts, and electrical structures, to initiate necessary reconstruction efforts.

Leaders from various parties stressed the importance of continuing relief efforts in the aftermath of the disaster. Furthermore, the Ministry of Urban Development, in collaboration with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, will work on housing solutions for victims who lost their homes due to the floods and landslides.