VI
EN
Heavy rains began on Thursday in Nepal, and as of September 30, rainfall in many areas has reached record levels. In the Kathmandu Valley alone – home to 4 million people – 240mm of rain was recorded at Kathmandu International Airport in 24 hours, the highest level since 2002. The heavy rains have caused flooding across the capital Kathmandu and many surrounding areas, severely inundating the entire Bagmati River region.
The entire city of Kathmandu is cut off as traffic on major roads is disrupted by large-scale landslides. According to reports, at least 35 people have died as a result of the sudden landslide on a highway south of Kathmandu.
Not only the capital Kathmandu was affected, but other areas in Nepal also suffered heavy damage. According to reports from Nepalese police, more than 4,500 people have been rescued from isolated areas. However, 30 people are still missing, and as time goes on, the chances of finding them alive are dwindling.
A man carries a sack of flour through floodwaters after the Bagmati River overflowed its banks due to heavy rains in Kathmandu.
The Nepalese government has mobilized all available rescue forces, including the army and police, to conduct rescue operations and evacuate people from dangerous areas. Numerous helicopters, boats, and bulldozers have been deployed to rescue families still trapped. Rescue efforts are proceeding urgently in areas devastated by floods and landslides.
"The Nepalese government's current priority is rescuing people and assisting those affected," Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak told AP. International organizations are also working closely with the Nepalese authorities to provide emergency assistance.
Rescue workers had to use pulleys to free people who were trapped.
However, severe landslides in many areas have greatly hampered access and rescue efforts. Major roads into the capital are blocked, making the delivery of food and relief supplies more difficult than ever. Wholesale markets in Kathmandu are experiencing shortages of food and vegetables due to road closures.
Rising floodwaters forced many residents to climb onto rooftops to await rescue.
Nepal, with its rugged mountainous terrain, is always vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods and landslides during the monsoon season from June to September. These seasonal rains are not only crucial for the country's agriculture, but also provide the main water source for domestic and industrial activities in the region.
However, flooding in Nepal is becoming increasingly severe due to extreme weather conditions that are increasing in frequency and intensity. Climate experts point out that these heavy rains are a consequence of global climate change. At the same time, unplanned urbanization, particularly in riverside areas such as the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, has exacerbated the extent of damage when natural disasters occur.
The situation with rainfall and flooding is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to climate change.
Although Nepal is facing many difficulties these days, the spirit of solidarity among its people shines through in their rescue efforts and mutual support. With unwavering resilience, the Nepalese people have overcome many disasters in the past, and this time, with the help of the international community, it is hoped that Nepal will soon overcome the current challenges.
