KATHMANDU, Sep 29: At least 27 people have died in rain-related disasters across Nepal since September 24, with four others still missing and eight injured, authorities said.
The Nepal Home Ministry said monsoon triggered incidents between September 24 and 28 affected 1,082 families and resulted in the deaths of 114 livestock.
Landslides accounted for the largest share of casualties, with 304 incidents reported during the period. Twenty people were killed, four went missing and seven sustained injuries in these incidents.
Flooding was reported in 87 cases, leaving four people dead. Another 151 incidents linked to intense rainfall claimed three lives and injured one person, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
The severe weather also caused extensive damage to infrastructure. A total of 227 houses were destroyed and another 142 suffered partial damage. Thirty-one bridges were also damaged by floods and landslides.
Authorities attributed the widespread downpours to a low-pressure system that developed over the Bay of Bengal, which brought significant rainfall to several parts of the Himalayan nation.
On Sunday, a major landslide in Manang district sent a large amount of debris into the Marsyangdi River, temporarily obstructing its flow. Officials advised residents in downstream areas to remain vigilant and follow safety precautions.
The river resumed its normal course after several hours, with no major damage reported from the temporary blockage.
Nepal is also continuing to deal with the aftermath of devastating flash floods that originated near the Nepal-Tibet border last month. The Bhotekoshi River carried floodwaters into downstream areas, destroying homes, vehicles, roads and bridges and damaging hydropower infrastructure.
The August 26 disaster reportedly killed at least 1,453 people and left more than 5,000 missing, adding to the challenges posed by the country’s ongoing monsoon season.
Other rivers in Palpa, Manang and Mustang districts were temporarily obstructed by landslides on Sunday. However, the blockages cleared within a few hours without causing significant damage.
Meanwhile, an avalanche struck the base camp of the 7,126-metre Himlung Himal peak in the Nar Phu region of Manang district. Tents sheltering mountain guides and support personnel were buried, with 22 Nepalese nationals initially reported missing.
Four bodies were recovered from the avalanche site on Monday as rescue efforts continued.