September 30th 2024.
Search and rescue efforts have been ongoing in Kathmandu, Nepal for the past three days. The devastating floods and landslides caused by heavy monsoon rainfall have claimed the lives of over 200 people, making it one of the worst rain-related disasters the country has seen in recent years.
The continuous downpour over the weekend triggered floods and landslides throughout Kathmandu and across Nepal, causing widespread damage and destruction. According to MyRepublica news portal, the Armed Police Force has reported 204 fatalities and 89 injuries, with 33 people still missing.
In response to this catastrophic event, an all-party meeting was held at the Prime Minister's Office in Singha Durbar. The meeting, chaired by Officiating Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh, focused on enhancing rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts for those affected by the disaster.
The Home Ministry has announced that they will provide grants for temporary housing, repair damaged roads, and ensure free medical treatment for those injured in the disaster. Additionally, a task force has been formed to assess the extent of the damage within 15 days.
The Disaster Management Executive Committee has also announced that relief funds will be provided to the families of those who are missing. If a missing person is not found within 10 days, their family will receive the same amount as the kin of someone who has been killed in the disaster.
The Home Ministry has deployed all security agencies, including the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, for relief efforts. So far, they have rescued around 4,500 individuals who were affected by the floods and landslides. Medical treatment is being provided to the injured, while emergency relief materials such as food and water are being distributed to those in need.
According to eyewitnesses, hundreds of people in Kathmandu are facing a shortage of food, clean drinking water, and proper sanitation. The disruption in major highways due to landslides has halted the transportation of essential goods, leading to a rise in market prices.
The Kathmandu Post has reported that numerous roads throughout the country have been severely damaged, causing thousands of travelers to be stranded. Efforts are underway to clear the blocked highways and resume transportation, as confirmed by Home Ministry Spokesperson Rishiram Tiwari.
The disastrous rainfall has also caused damage to 20 hydropower plants, leading to power outages in Kathmandu and other major cities. Jagan Chapagain, the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, has stated that this is the worst flooding Nepal has experienced in recent years. Local branches of the Nepal Red Cross are working closely with authorities and emergency operations centers to coordinate rescue and relief efforts.
The Bagmati river, Kathmandu's main river, is flowing above danger levels, according to a report published by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. The report also stated that the unusually intense rainfall was caused by a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal and the monsoon trough being positioned further north than usual.
Scientists believe that while climate change is a major factor in the rise of flood impacts in Asia, the built environment also plays a significant role. Unplanned construction, especially on floodplains, can limit water retention and drainage areas, leading to more destructive floods and landslides.
The floods and landslides have disrupted life in many parts of Nepal, with damage to highways, bridges, and homes, and displacement of families. Thousands of passengers are stranded due to road closures, and the Ministry of Health and Population is conducting awareness programs to prevent the spread of diseases in affected areas.
The situation in Nepal is dire, and efforts are being made to provide aid and assistance to those affected by the disaster. Let us hope that the situation improves soon, and the people of Nepal can recover and rebuild their lives.
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