Intense rainfall over the past 36 hours in Nepal led to landslides and flash floods, claiming the lives of at least 11 individuals and causing blockages on major highways and roads, officials reported on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki reported that eight individuals were unaccounted for, either swept away by floods or trapped in landslides while another 12 were injured and receiving medical treatment in hospitals.
Karki informed Reuters that rescue teams are actively working to clear landslides and reopen roads. He mentioned that heavy machinery is being utilised to remove debris.
A district official stated that in southeastern Nepal, the Koshi River, known for causing annual deadly floods in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, was currently flowing above its danger level.
“Koshi’s water levels are increasing, and we’ve advised residents in Sunsari district, where the river flows, to stay vigilant regarding potential floods,” said Bed Raj Phuyal, a senior district official, in comments to Reuters.
At 0900 hours (0315 hours GMT), Bed Raj Phuyal reported that the water flow in the Koshi River was 369,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs), surpassing its usual flow of 150,000 cusecs by more than double.
Cusec is a unit used to measure the flow rate of water, equivalent to one cubic foot per second (cfs).
Officials stated that all 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage had been opened to drain water, a notable increase from the usual 10-12 gates open under normal circumstances.
Officials also indicated that the water levels of the Narayani, Rapti, and Mahakali rivers in the western region were also on the rise.
In the hilly terrain of Kathmandu, several rivers have breached their banks, causing floods on roads and submerging numerous houses.
Since mid-June, coinciding with the start of the annual monsoon rains, local media footage has shown individuals wading through waist-deep water, and residents have been seen using buckets to remove water from their homes.
During this time, at least 50 fatalities have been reported across Nepal due to landslides, floods, and lightning strikes.
Every year, hundreds of lives are lost to landslides and flash floods, a common occurrence in the predominantly mountainous terrain of Nepal during the monsoon season.
This season typically begins in mid-June and extends through mid-September.
Recent floods in the northeastern Indian state of Assam have claimed dozens of lives and displaced thousands of people in the past few days.
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