Over the weekend, Nepal experienced devastating flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall, resulting in the tragic loss of 193 lives. The capital city, Kathmandu, was particularly hard hit, with significant flooding in the southern part of the city. Additionally, 31 people are still missing, and 96 individuals have been reported injured across the country.
One particularly tragic incident involved a landslide that claimed the lives of three dozen people on a blocked highway near Kathmandu. The landslide buried multiple vehicles, including buses, where people were sleeping due to the highway blockage.
Efforts to address the crisis have been underway, with workers managing to temporarily open the key Prithvi highway by clearing debris. The government has announced plans to construct temporary shelters for those who lost their homes and provide financial assistance to the affected families.
Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli has called for an emergency meeting upon his return from the U.N. General Assembly. Rescue and recovery operations have been intensified with improved weather conditions.
In Bangladesh, approximately 60,000 individuals have been impacted by flooding in low-lying areas, attributed to heavy rains and rising water levels from upstream India. The situation has led people to seek refuge on roads and flood protection embankments in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts.
While rivers like the Teesta have overflowed at certain points, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center in Dhaka has indicated that waters are expected to recede in the coming days. Bangladesh, known for its extensive river network, faces recurring challenges during the monsoon season.
Both Nepal and Bangladesh are grappling with the aftermath of these natural disasters, highlighting the need for continued support and preparedness in the face of such calamities.
