The end of September usually marks a time to spend with loved ones and welcome the great festival of Dashain. But 2024 has not been so kind. Heavy rainfall brought a nationwide calamity, leaving Nepal mourning instead of celebrating.
Parts of Kathmandu, including impoverished neighbourhoods along the Bagmati River, were heavily flooded. Heavy rain was forecasted a week prior, prompting the Flood Forecasting Division to advise caution. The extreme rain primarily fell in Eastern Nepal, though western districts were also affected. The tourist hub of Pokhara, too, was hit by flooding. At least 241 people were killed, and 169 are still missing, with the disaster affecting both urban slum dwellers and remote villages.
Climate change exacerbates monsoon disasters
Man Kumar Rana Magar, a 49- year-old slum resident, was disappointed in the official rescue efforts: “We are so close to the seat of the government. What will they do about others if they cannot care for the poor this close?” Magar and others were temporarily sheltered in schools but were forced to return before their homes were liveable again. Rural areas were hit hard, and many people had to wait for help due to impassable roads. Mira K, living in the Kavre district, also expressed frustration: “Even if they (the authorities – editor) show up, those who died are dead already, and the damage is done. All they will do is offer condolences. What else will they do?”
Experts criticise the government for ignoring warnings. Climate expert Arun Bhakta Shrestha said: “Precautions that should have been taken were ignored.” People with relevant knowledge point out that climate change exacerbates the intensity and frequency of monsoon disasters in South Asia. In Nepal alone, over 300 people have died from rain-related disasters this year.
Work together realistically
“Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently, and the rainfall pattern is becoming increasingly unpredictable, which can be attributed to climate change. However, we cannot blame climate change for hiding our ill management of rivers,’
Pawan Bhattarai, an assistant professor at the Department of Civil Engineering of Tribhuvan University.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who was abroad during the disaster, faced backlash for not returning sooner. However, he defended the government’s efforts, urging unity: “At a sensitive time like this, we all must work together realistically, not criticise just for the sake of it. I did not go there merely to milk a cow. I aimed to articulate our thoughts and challenges, which were conveyed appropriately.” Admitting that the government’s search and rescue efforts faced delays, Oli urged the public to support ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Vital infrastructure suffered severe damage
The recent landslide triggered by the swollen Roshi River in Panauti and Roshi has devastated rural communities, destroying homes and displacing hundreds. Residents like Salina Gurung lost their houses and belongings. Entire settlements along the river were ravaged. “It was around midnight when we had to run to save our lives as the stream swept into the settlement. We could not salvage any valuables or belongings,” said Gurung. Many survivors fled through forested areas amidst continuous landslides before reaching safety by dawn. The once-thriving village is unrecognisable, buried under mud and debris.
Panauti and Roshi were among the hardest-hit areas, with a lot of fatalities and injuries. In addition to the human toll, vital infrastructure, including bridges, hospitals, and public parks, suffered severe damage. The affected municipalities and provincial and federal support agencies are focused on relief and rehabilitation efforts for the displaced. “Rescue work is underway, and we are coordinating with social organisations and donors to provide relief,” said Ram Sharan Bhandari, the mayor of Panauti Municipality.
Home Minister Rakesh Lekhak emphasised that the government had not neglected the situation, stressing that the rough conditions made timely rescues impossible. However, the backlash intensified as citizens stranded on rooftops were swept away before help arrived.
Backlash
Chaniklal Tamang demonstrated remarkable bravery by diving into the swollen Nakhkhu River in Lalitpur to save a father and his young daughter. He plunged into the raging river and managed to pull them to safety. The girl, Meghana Sah, had consumed a large amount of water, but she was revived. Sadly, Meghana’s younger sister, Shertu, remains missing.
Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal revealed that the disaster caused an estimated loss of 17 billion rupees (approximately 121 million Euros). Home Ministry spokesperson Rishiram Tiwari said nearly 900 people, including foreign trekkers, have been airlifted by Nepal Army helicopters and private choppers from flood-affected regions. Despite the challenging weather, rescue operations are ongoing, particularly in areas like Everest, Manaslu, and Langtang, where trekkers are trapped.
The severe weather conditions hindered effective operations in Lalitpur, leading to political outrage and public frustration. Home Minister Rakesh Lekhak emphasised that the government had not neglected the situation, stressing that the rough conditions made timely rescues impossible. However, the backlash intensified as citizens stranded on rooftops were swept away before help arrived. With the growing threat of climate change, Nepal must strengthen its disaster management capabilities to safeguard lives and livelihoods during future monsoons.
Rebuild from scratch
The struggle for survival in the face of calamities is intertwined with the economic divide. It is not about where one lives but about who has the power and privilege to avoid the impacts.
The floods and landslides wreaked havoc on Nepal’s hydropower sector, damaging 11 operational projects, including the crucial Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, and severely affecting 15 underconstruction projects.
Ganesh Karki, President of the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal (IPPAN), stated that the collective impact is immense, with road infrastructure requiring up to six months to rebuild. The destruction also prompted the NEA to increase electricity imports from India to manage domestic demand. At the same time, the overall economic loss in the hydropower sector and related infrastructures continues to rise.
Many poor people must rebuild their lives from scratch. Urban planner Neeraj Dongol highlighted that communities living in informal squatter settlements on riverbanks have been hit hardest by floods. Ten per cent of Nepal’s urban population lives in such settlements, earning a handful of dollars daily.
The struggle for survival in the face of calamities is intertwined with the economic divide. It is not about where one lives but about who has the power and privilege to avoid the impacts. The flood has also raised questions about government authority, class politics, and environmental and social systems.
The aftermath is unfolding before our eyes. Floods and landslides caused approximately 25 billion rupees in damages (around 182,5 million euros). The disaster impacted 34 highways across 805 locations, with debris from landslides cleared from 774 sites.
The government has pledged a billion rupees to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund and decided to offer two hundred thousand rupees to the families of those who died or have gone missing. The government has also announced free treatment for all those injured in the disaster.
This national crisis and its aftermath are unfolding before our eyes. Mere rescue efforts are insufficient — we need rehabilitation, accountability, and transparency.
Sudipa Mahato is a junior editor with Nepal Connect.
