In Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, heavy flooding caused by persistent rain has left at least 32 people killed and another 12 missing, according to authorities on Saturday. The heavy rains that started on Friday night are predicted to continue over the weekend. 1,053 individuals have been rescued by the authorities around the city, while 17 others have been injured.
Anticipating significant precipitation, the authorities had already issued flood warnings for the whole nation. In retaliation, buses were forbidden from operating on highways at night and drivers were urged to avoid the routes. Reports of floods and landslides from other parts of Nepal prompted security personnel to go into high alert.
The monsoon season, which brings heavy rain to the area, starts in June and typically ends by mid-September. However, this year’s monsoon has extended due to a delayed retreat, bringing torrential rains across South Asia.
Most rivers in Nepal have swollen, with many overflowing onto roads and bridges. Police are working to clear debris and reopen highways that have been blocked by landslides at 28 locations, said police spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki.
Weather officials predict the rains will ease by Sunday. “Heavy rains are likely to continue until Sunday morning, and conditions should clear afterwards,” said Binu Maharjan, a weather forecasting official.
Parts of central and eastern Nepal have been hit hardest, receiving between 50 mm (2 inches) and 200 mm (8 inches) of rain. Although international flights remain unaffected, many domestic flights have been disrupted, according to Rinji Sherpa, a spokesperson for Kathmandu Airport.
Floodwaters have inundated roads and homes throughout the capital after rivers overflowed from more than 200 mm (8 inches) of rainfall. The Koshi River in southeastern Nepal, which often causes deadly floods in India’s neighbouring state of Bihar, is flowing well above the danger level at 450,000 cusecs, significantly higher than its usual 150,000 cusecs, according to local officials.
The river level continues to rise, warned Ram Chandra Tiwari, the top bureaucrat in the region. A cusec is a measure of water flow equal to one cubic foot per second.
Get the Latest News Updates and Stay Informed with FELA NEWS!
Source: Financial Express
