Rescue Efforts in Nepal: Bodies Found, Death Toll Climbs

Red emergency lights on a dark floor.

Rescuers in Nepal struggle against time and nature to recover the bodies of numerous flood victims.

At a Glance

  • Floods and landslides in Nepal result in 170 deaths and 42 people missing.
  • The Nepal Army has airlifted 162 and rescued approximately 4,000 people.
  • National highways are blocked, leaving hundreds stranded.
  • The Bagmati River in Kathmandu is above danger levels due to heavy rainfall.

A Nation in Crisis

Rescuers in Nepal are conducting large-scale operations to recover bodies from vehicles buried under massive landslides in the Kathmandu region. The death toll currently stands at 170, with 42 people still missing. As rescuers brave the elements, entire communities remain cut off, and roads are blocked.

111 people have sustained injuries in flood-related incidents. All security agencies are mobilized for ongoing rescue operations. The Nepal Army has airlifted 162 individuals and rescued around 4,000 people in total. Eyewitnesses reported unprecedented flooding in the Kathmandu Valley, unlike anything seen in the last four or five decades.

Government and Community Response

The government has closed schools and colleges across Nepal for the next three days. Relief materials, including food grains, have been distributed to those rescued. Meals have been provided to 400 individuals in the Balkhu area.

“Additionally, 111 people have sustained injuries in flood-related incidents, as stated by Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson Rishiram Pokharel.”

In Dhading district, at least 19 people died when a bus was buried in a landslide. Another 23 bodies were retrieved from vehicles on Sunday near the same location, 16 kilometers from Kathmandu.

Challenges and Hope

The Bagmati River in Kathmandu remains above danger levels. A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal and a monsoon trough contributed to the intense rainfall. Climate change and unplanned construction on floodplains have significantly worsened the impacts of floods.

“Eyewitnesses have reported unprecedented flooding in the Kathmandu Valley, with some stating they have never seen such devastation in 40-45 years.”

As efforts reduce highway obstructions, daily life remains severely disrupted. Thousands of passengers are stranded, and at least 322 houses and 16 bridges across Nepal have been damaged. While forecasts predict continued rain until Tuesday, conditions showed signs of easing on Sunday.

Sources

1. Nearly 200 killed in floods, landslides in Nepal

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