The recent heavy rainfall in Nepal has led to devastating consequences, with the capital city of Kathmandu bearing the brunt of the disaster. The intense rains, which lasted for over 72 hours starting on 27 September, have caused widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and public facilities. This has resulted in a significant loss of life, with many fatalities reported in Kathmandu.
According to reports, hundreds of houses, schools, and hospitals have been destroyed or damaged in the capital. The southern part of Kathmandu remains inundated, making it difficult for residents to access essential services and supplies. Additionally, the impact of the heavy rains has extended beyond the capital, affecting 44 out of Nepal’s 77 districts. This has led to the isolation of many areas, as bridges and roads have been swept away, and power and communication networks have been disrupted.
In response to the crisis, security forces and volunteers have been working tirelessly to rescue affected individuals. So far, approximately 4,500 people have been rescued, but the number of families in need of assistance is estimated to be over 7,600. Many of these families lived in informal settlements that have been washed away by the floods, leaving them homeless and vulnerable.
The destruction of water pumps, pipes, and cropland poses a new challenge as access to clean water and food may become scarce in the coming days. This could exacerbate the already dire situation faced by many communities affected by the floods.
One group that is particularly at risk in this crisis is children. With many schools closed or damaged, children are not only missing out on education but also on the safety and support that schools provide. UN humanitarian teams, including the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), have been working to provide essential supplies such as hygiene kits, water purification tablets, blankets, and mosquito nets to those in need. UNICEF has also set up a medical tent to replace a destroyed hospital, ensuring access to healthcare for up to 2,000 people.
Florine Bos, Chief of Communications at UNICEF Nepal, expressed concern for the well-being of children in the aftermath of the disaster. She highlighted the increased risk of violence, abuse, and exploitation faced by children in such situations. Bos emphasized the importance of reopening schools soon to provide children with a sense of normalcy and safety.
The scale of the disaster has been described as unprecedented by Azmat Ulla, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Nepal country office. Ulla warned of the challenges ahead, including access to essential resources like water and the potential spread of water and vector-borne diseases once the floodwaters recede. He noted that many villages are still isolated due to damaged infrastructure, making it difficult to reach those in need.
Efforts are underway to clean roads and restore access to affected communities, with organizations like the Nepal Red Cross and IFRC working closely with local authorities to provide assistance. However, the road to recovery will be long and challenging, as the impacts of the disaster continue to unfold.
As the situation in Nepal remains critical, humanitarian agencies, government authorities, and local communities are coming together to provide aid and support to those affected by the floods. The road to recovery will be long, but with concerted efforts and solidarity, Nepal will rebuild and recover from this devastating natural disaster.
