KATHMANDU: One person has been reported dead, and at least 25 individuals were missing following flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains in eastern Nepal, officials confirmed on Sunday.
These incidents mark the first known fatality since the onset of the annual monsoon rains last week.
In the Sankhuwasabha district of eastern Nepal, heavy rains caused the Hewa River to swell, resulting in the washing away of a hydroelectric project that was under construction. As a result, 16 workers have gone missing in the area, according to Bimal Paudel, a government official. “One body has been recovered, while the police are continuing their search for the missing laborers,” Paudel stated.
Neighboring Taplejung and Panchthar districts, which share a border with India in the east, have also been affected by flash floods and landslides. Nine people are currently missing in these areas, as reported by officials. Gaurav Dhakal, representing Panchthar district, noted that overnight rains caused significant damage to two bridges along the Mechi highway, effectively cutting off the road link to the remote Taplejung district. In Taplejung, four individuals remain missing.
Rescue operations have been hindered by the heavy rains, preventing relief workers from reaching the hilly Sidingwa village. The village, located in a vulnerable area, is at risk of having at least 20 houses washed away.
The annual monsoon rains, which are crucial for agricultural crops, typically commence in mid-June and persist through September in Nepal. However, these rains also pose a significant threat, as they frequently result in floods that inundate villages, destroy crops, and damage infrastructure. The mountainous terrain of Nepal, nestled between China and India, often experiences such incidents, leading to hundreds of casualties or missing persons each year.
Efforts are underway to provide assistance to the affected areas and locate the missing individuals. The government and relevant authorities are actively responding to the situation, recognizing the importance of minimizing the impact of these natural disasters on local communities and the overall infrastructure.
