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The monsoon season in Nepal, which typically extends from June to mid-September, has turned deadly this year, leaving a trail of destruction and sorrow. Heavy rains have triggered devastating floods and landslides across the country, claiming the lives of at least 129 people and leaving dozens more missing. Rescue and cleanup efforts are underway, but the full extent of the devastation is yet to be determined.
The most significant loss of life occurred near the capital Kathmandu, where multiple landslides buried buses and other vehicles. Rescuers worked tirelessly to recover bodies from the wreckage, with 14 bodies retrieved overnight from two buses and another 23 found on Sunday from the same site. The search continues for any remaining victims trapped in the debris. The landslides have also blocked three major highways leading out of Kathmandu, isolating the city and hindering relief efforts.
Beyond the capital, the southern part of Kathmandu bore the brunt of the flooding. Residents spent Sunday cleaning up their homes as water levels receded. The impact of the floods and landslides has been widespread, with reports of casualties and damage coming in from villages across Nepal. The government, responding to the crisis, announced the closure of schools and colleges across the country for the next three days to ensure the safety of students and facilitate relief operations. The death toll is expected to rise as officials gather information from remote areas.
The current disaster underscores the vulnerabilities of Nepal, a mountainous country with a high risk of natural hazards. The monsoon season, while vital for agriculture, also presents a significant challenge, with heavy rains leading to floods, landslides, and other disasters. The government and aid agencies are working to provide assistance to affected communities, including food, shelter, and medical supplies. However, the scale of the destruction emphasizes the urgent need for long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters in Nepal.