Kathmandu: Since the onset of the monsoon, 62 people have lost their lives, four individuals remain missing, and 90 have been injured due to floods, landslides, and lightning strikes across Nepal. These statistics were provided by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and the National Emergency Operation Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has directed all state authorities to prioritize the protection of citizens affected by these natural disasters. In a briefing at the Singha Durbar-based control room, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgent need for coordinated rescue and relief efforts.
Expressing his condolences for the lives and properties lost, PM Dahal voiced his concerns about the potential for further significant losses this monsoon season. He urged all government entities to mobilize their full resources to ensure the safety of the people and mitigate potential damages.
The Prime Minister also called on citizens to remain vigilant and urged political parties, civil societies, and social organizations to collaborate in disaster risk mitigation to safeguard citizens.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that the recent monsoon floods have claimed the lives of one person in Morang, three in Dang, one in Kailali, two in Kavrepalanchowk, one in Udayapur, and nine in Palpa. Additionally, two individuals are missing, and five houses have been completely damaged.
Landslides have claimed 34 lives, left two people missing, and injured 38. A total of 43 houses have been completely destroyed, and 24 have been partially damaged. Nineteen sheds were damaged, and 12 people were injured due to landslides. Inundation has resulted in 11 houses being completely damaged and six houses partially damaged.
According to the Authority, the estimated damage from floods and landslides amounts to eight million and six hundred thousand rupees. Additionally, lightning has caused 19 deaths and injured 35 people.
"Monsoon-related incidents such as floods, landslides, inundation, and lightning are still increasing. We are coordinating with relevant agencies to reduce the damage," said Dr. Dijan Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Authority. He warned that this year's monsoon is expected to bring above-average rainfall, potentially affecting 1.8 million people and 412 thousand households.
Sunil Pokharel, spokesperson for the Department of Meteorology, informed that the risk of flooding is expected to decrease nationwide from Monday.
