Saturday, September 28, 2024

Flooding in Nepal kills at least 66 as swollen rivers pour through Kathmandu

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Flooding in Nepal’s capital city has killed at least 66 people, as swollen rivers flooded homes forcing residents to take shelter.

Rain has been pounding Kathmandu since Friday night and the situation is expected to continue until Sunday.

Officials warned that the death toll could rise, with another 69 people reported missing.

At least 17 people were also injured in the capital, while 1,053 were rescued, according to police.

Image:
The Bagmati River has flooded. Pic: AP

Rescue workers used helicopters and boats to rescue people from rooftops or high ground, as some parts of Kathmandu reported up to 322.2mm of rain over the last day.

It comes after the government issued flood alerts across the nation, warning of heavy rainfall.

People watch the turbulent waters of Bagmati River from a bridge as the river flooded due to heavy rains in Kathmandu, Nepal, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Gopen Rai)
Image:
Pic: AP

Buses were banned from travelling at night on motorways, and cars were discouraged from venturing onto the roads. Security forces were put on high alert.

The rains could continue until Sunday, according to a local weather forecaster, who said a low pressure system over parts of India had caused this year’s extended rains.

People watch the turbulent waters of Bagmati River from a bridge as the river flooded due to heavy rains in Kathmandu, Nepal, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Gopen Rai)
Image:
Pic: AP

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Home minister Ramesh Lekhak said there are reports of damage in other parts of the country, too, and officials are still collecting information.

“The government’s priority right now is to rescue the people and help those who have been affected,” he said.

The monsoon season that brings heavy rainfall began in June and usually ends by mid-September.

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