The recent monsoon rains have caused widespread devastation across Nepal, particularly affecting the Kathmandu Valley. As of now, at least 87 people have lost their lives, over 60 have been injured, and 72 remain missing due to flooding, landslides, and inundation. The hardest-hit areas include Lalitpur, Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur, with flooding in the Bagmati River causing severe damage. Around 2,241 homes have been flooded in these areas.
Rescue operations have been ongoing, with security forces, including the Armed Police Force (APF), actively rescuing those trapped in floodwaters. Over 760 individuals have been rescued nationwide. However, the situation remains dire, with heavy rains predicted to persist until Saturday evening.
Flights at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) were severely affected by low visibility and continuous rain, leading to the cancellation of both domestic and international flights, though operations resumed in some regions later in the day. Multiple highways have also been disrupted by landslides, including major routes such as the BP Highway and the Tribhuvan Highway.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology attributed the heavy rainfall to a combination of monsoon winds and a low-pressure system affecting the region, particularly in Maharashtra, India. Authorities are urging people to avoid non-essential travel, stay away from riverbanks, and seek higher ground. Experts predict a significant improvement in weather conditions by Sunday, with rainfall expected to subside and clearer skies forecasted for the upcoming week.
