Monsoon disasters kill 211 people

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 14: A total of 211 people have died due to monsoon-induced disasters and other incidents in the past few months across the country, with 48 individuals reported missing.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 170 of these fatalities were caused by monsoon-induced disasters, while the remaining deaths were attributed to incidents such as fires, snakebites, high-altitude sickness, and animal attacks. The data covers incidents since June 10, marking the onset of this year’s monsoon season.

NDRRMA Spokesperson Dr. Dijan Bhattarai reported that the Bagmati and Gandaki provinces suffered the highest losses, each with 58 casualties. This was followed by 39 deaths in Lumbini, 26 in Koshi, 14 in Sudurpaschim, nine in Karnali, and seven in Madhes.

During this period, 1,333 incidents affected 3,647 families across the country. The highest number of affected families was reported in Koshi, with 1,212 impacted by a total of 405 incidents.

Additionally, 513 families were affected in Madhes, 471 in Bagmati, 437 in Gandaki, 326 in Lumbini, 240 in Karnali, and 448 in Sudurpaschim. In terms of missing persons, two were reported missing in Koshi, 40 in Bagmati, three in Gandaki, two in Lumbini, and one in Karnali.

Human casualties this year have significantly surpassed last year's total of 72 casualties by this time. NDRRMA CEO Anil Pokhrel emphasized that preparedness, rescue, search, and information flow systems for disaster management are being carried out in a coordinated manner.

Rainfall this year has exceeded average levels, according to the forecast. -- RSS