Severe flood hits Nepal again, 21 dead

At least 21 people have died in floods and landslides triggered by incessant heavy rainfall in Nepal. Five others are missing and five have been injured. Fresh flooding and landslides struck various parts of the country after heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from September 24 to 27.

According to data from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), landslides caused the highest number of deaths, with 14 people killed and five still missing. Four people died in floods, while three others were killed in various incidents caused by continuous rainfall.

Heavy rains have damaged homes, roads and bridges in different parts of the country. Authorities said 143 houses were completely destroyed and another 51 were partially damaged by floods and landslides. A total of 747 families have been directly affected by the disaster.

Around 2,000 people have been evacuated from various high-risk areas to safer locations. Members of the Nepal Army and other security forces are using helicopters to rescue people stranded by floods and landslides.

Heavy rainfall has caused water levels in several rivers to rise close to or above danger levels. The water level of the Narayani River in central Nepal has crossed the warning level and entered nearby settlements. Landslides have also disrupted traffic on several roads.

Meanwhile, more than 100 millimetres of rainfall was recorded at 186 rain-gauge stations across Nepal over the past four days. The highest rainfall, 544.2 millimetres, was recorded at Dedgaun in Nawalparasi East. Panchase in Kaski recorded 500.2 millimetres, while Atraulitar in Tanahun received 472 millimetres.

Authorities have urged residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant. Rescue and relief operations, along with continuous monitoring of the situation, are underway.