 | |
| 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+ |
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.
The 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] Bagmati Province was heavily impacted [4] [5] by the flooding of the Bagmati River and the Nakkhu River. [6] [7] Kathmandu Valley received between 240 mm (9.4 in) and 322.2 mm (12.7 inches) [7] 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] [8]
On 29 September, Nepali officials reported 170 deaths, at least 37 of which occurred in Kathmandu, and 42 reports of missing people. [7] [9]
At least 14 people were killed by flooding in early July, with nine more being reported missing. [10]
In late September, at least 170 deaths were recorded, with 37 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. [7] Many residents took refuge on upper floors of homes, with some being rescued from their rooftops by helicopters and inflatable rafts. Much of the city also lost power and internet, and multiple water pipes were broken. [6] [4] Across Nepal, at least 322 houses and 16 bridges were damaged. [9] Nepalese media described the rainfall as the worst that Kathmandu had suffered from in decades. [1] [2] [4] Casualties were also reported in the regions of Bhaktapur, Dhading, and Makwanpur. [6]
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 4,000 required rescue [9] and 42 more were reported missing. [11]
Three highways (including Prithvi Highway) and multiple roads which connected Kathmandu to eastern Nepal were also taken out by landslides which had been caused by the rain. [4] At least 35 bodies were recovered on Prithvi Highway, from vehicles which had been buried under landslides. [6] Kathmandu was also cut off from transport as a result of landslides destroying highways to and from the city. In addition, 14 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. [1] [2] [4] In response, officials discouraged cars and banned buses from traveling at night on highways. [4]
Debris and damage to roads caused the obstruction of highways at twenty-eight locations. [1]
Over 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] Flights had largely resumed by 29 September. [12]
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]
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