Devastation in Nepal: Heavy Rains Trigger Deadly Landslides and Flash Floods

A relentless monsoon onslaught has brought tragedy to Nepal, with devastating landslides and flash floods claiming at least 30 lives and leaving 22 others missing across the country. The grim toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue amidst challenging conditions.

The eastern districts, particularly Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar, and Taplejung, have borne the brunt of nature's fury.

Sankhuwasabha district alone has reported 15 fatalities, with 10 individuals still unaccounted for. Disturbing visuals show a powerful landslide in Chainpur Municipality-4, destroying a 30-meter section of the Koshi Highway and sweeping away vehicles, including a jeep carrying passengers.

As the skies continue to open up, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued severe warnings.

The Kankai River in Jhapa and the Koshi River at Koshi Barrage are flowing at dangerous levels, exceeding critical thresholds. Officials are urging residents in low-lying areas and along riverbanks to remain vigilant and evacuate if necessary, as the threat of further flooding and landslides persists.

Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) is coordinating search and rescue efforts, but the sheer scale of the disaster and the ongoing rainfall are complicating operations.

Families are desperately searching for loved ones, and communities are reeling from the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The nation watches anxiously as the monsoon's grip continues to tighten.