At least 148 people have died in Nepal as a result of flooding and landslides caused by monsoon rains. Dozens of bodies have been recovered from buses and vehicles that were buried in landslides near Kathmandu, with many more still missing. The weather had improved on Sunday after three days of monsoon rains, allowing for rescue and clean-up efforts to be underway. However, Kathmandu remained cut off from the rest of the country as three highways out of the city were blocked by landslides.
Rescuers were able to recover 14 bodies overnight from two buses that were headed to Kathmandu when a landslide buried them. Additionally, 23 more bodies were retrieved from vehicles on Sunday at the same location. Workers were continuing to search for others who may have been buried, with hopes of finding more survivors. The Nepal police reported that another 101 people were injured in the flooding and landslides, with 50 still missing. The death toll was expected to rise as more reports came in from villages across the mountainous country.
Residents in the southern part of Kathmandu, which was heavily inundated on Saturday, were starting the process of cleaning up their homes as water levels began to recede. At least 34 people were killed in Kathmandu, making it the hardest hit area in the country. Police and soldiers were on hand to assist with rescue efforts, while heavy equipment was being used to clear landslides from the roads. The government took the precaution of closing schools and colleges across Nepal for the next three days to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The monsoon season in Nepal typically begins in June and is known to last until mid-September. However, the heavy rains have caused widespread devastation this year, leading to a higher death toll than usual. The mountainous terrain of the country makes it especially vulnerable to landslides and flooding during the monsoon season. The government and rescue workers are working tirelessly to recover bodies, assist with rescue efforts, and provide support to those who have been affected by the flooding and landslides.
Overall, the situation in Nepal remains dire as the death toll continues to rise and more bodies are recovered from landslides and flooding. The government has declared a state of emergency and is working to provide relief to those affected by the natural disaster. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with hopes of finding more survivors amidst the devastation. The people of Nepal are coming together to support one another during this difficult time, showing resilience and strength in the face of tragedy.
