Cost of non-compliance: Billions worth infrastructure damaged, death toll rises to 169

Lack of serious disaster preparedness, non-compliance, and timely rescue has cost the country billions.  

Flood and landslide caused by incessant rainfall that started on Thursday afternoon has damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, hydropower projects, power lines and buildings, worth billions, whereas some 169 people also lost their lives.

The death toll from disaster-related incidents across the country has reached 169, according to the Home Ministry.  In addition to the loss of lives, the infrastructure damage is also extensive due to inaction of the government.

According the World Bank, the government's disaster-related expenditures between 2012 and 2020 amounted to over $3.8 billion (Rs 451.45 billion), or an annual average of about $430 million (Rs 50 billion). However, this year's disaster-related expenditures might be double the annual average to around $800 million. 

According to Armed Police Force (APF) under Home Ministry, some 60 others are injured, while 54 are missing. "Floods and landslides triggered by incessant rain since Thursday afternoon damaged 322 houses and 16 bridges across the country," the APF reported.

The three districts in the Valley — Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur — recorded some 79 deaths, with 52 in Kathmandu alone. The Southern part of Lalitpur district is still cut-off with the rest of the district due to landslide and electricity outage, due to heavy downpour. 

Likewise, Kathmandu Valley is cut-off with the rest of the country due to landslide and flood-caused bridge and road damage. The vehicles are seen on the highways that lead to the Kathmandu Valley.

The eastern entry point to the Kathmandu Valley, Banepa, is obstructed due to road damage on BP Highway, whereas the western entry point to the Kathmandu Valley, Thankot, is obstructed due to landslide and road damage in Naubise. The security forces are, however, working hard to clear the roads following to western entry point, Thankot, for emergency rescue operations also.

Likewise, some 66 deaths were reported in Bagmati Province, excluding the Kathmandu Valley.

Koshi and Madhesh Provinces recorded some 21 and three deaths, respectively, the report stated, adding that no fatalities have been recorded in the other four provinces. But Butwal, in the Lumbini Province, was flooded that halted transportation.

Death toll climbs as torrential rains pound Nepal

Much of Kathmandu stands underwater today and the capital’s main river, the Bagmati, is flowing above danger levels after incessant rain lashed much of eastern and central Nepal on Friday and Saturday (today).

After rainfall exceeding 340mm fell in under three days in many places across the Kathmandu Valley the Bagmati is flowing at 6.16metres at Khokana: 2.16m above danger levels, according to a press note issued by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

Rivers in eastern and central Nepal are also dangerously engorged: at the time of writing the Narayani River at Devghat is running at 11.5 metres: 2.5m above danger levels. Sunkoshi River in Khurkot also recorded 11.5 m, which is almost 3m higher than the danger threshold, it reads, adding that rescue-workers have used boats and helicopters to evacuate affected citizens stranded in their homes as water levels rose.

The government states 66 people have been killed since early on Friday, with 60 injured and 69 missing, with floods and landslides closing major roads and disrupting domestic air travel.

“I’ve never before seen flooding on this scale in Kathmandu,” said  Climate and Environmental Risks Lead at the Hindu Kush Himalayan knowledge centre at ICIMOD Arun Bhakta Shrestha.

Kumaltar, in the Kathmandu Valley, received 381.2 and Godavari received 346.6 mm in rains that set in early on Thursday. Large areas of Nepal were projected to see rainfall in the “extremely heavy rainfall” category (over 200mm) on both Friday and Saturday.  

A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal and the more northerly than usual position of the monsoon trough is the reason for this weekend’s late, and exceptionally intense rain.

Contrary to earlier forecasts which showed another day of heavy rain, ICIMOD’s High-Impact Weather Assessment Toolkit (HIWAT) now shows rain subsiding tomorrow (Sunday).

Scientists say that while climate change is changing the amount and timing of rainfall across Asia, a key reason for the rise in the impact of floods is the built environment, including unplanned construction, especially on floodplains, which leaves insufficient area for water retention and drainage.

They recommend central governments and city planners urgently increase the investment in and planning of both ‘grey’ (engineered) and ‘green’ (nature-based) infrastructure: such as underground stormwater and sewage systems; and the restoration of wetlands or the introduction of permeable pavements and ‘rain gardens’ to increase cities’ capacity to absorb water and help communities adapt.

This unprecedented rain has fallen on soil already saturated following a more than 25 per cent above normal rainfall this monsoon in Kathmandu, the press note reads, "Its impact is aggravated by poor drainage due to unplanned settlement/haphazard urbanisation, construction on floodplains, and lack of areas for water retention, and encroachment on the Bagmati river."

Extreme floods from two consecutive heavy monsoon years have caused devastation in many parts of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region in 2023 and 2024, and recent analysis by climate scientists shows Asia’s exposure to extreme rain and flood risk growing by 2030.

The research shows the continent will face the greatest rainfall changes in the world by 2100, with ICIMOD regional member countries Bangladesh, China, and India among 10 Asian countries that have the highest risk of extreme rainfall by the end of the century. 

XDI’s 2023 Gross Domestic Climate Risk Dataset, the expert group in physical climate risk, shows that 114 of the top 200 provinces with the highest aggregated damage ratio by 2050 will be in Asia.

XDI Gross Domestic Climate Risk Map. Source: XDI

Landmark research by Chinese researchers and the UK Met Office published in the journal Science this July showed that climate change is not only resulting in more extreme precipitation, but also greater variability in rainfall – with greater swings between intense rain events. The research used observational data since the 1900s to track already detectable changes – with the greater variability in rainfall posing challenges for weather and climate predictions, as well as for resilience and adaptation by societies and ecosystems.

ICIMOD’s 2023 assessment report, Water, Ice, Society, and Ecosystems in the Hindu Kush Himalaya suggests similar changes in the Hindu Kush Himalaya.

Alongside many in the region, many ICIMOD employees have found themselves on the frontline of these floods.

We extend our solidarity to all those suffering today, and will continue to work to increase the reliability of forecasts, to roll out early warning systems, and to advocate for planned settlements and nature-based solutions to mitigate flood risks.

The ICIMOD claims that it continue to share our Earth Observation tools with government agencies and first responders, including those in humanitarian agencies, to help them anticipate major events and preposition aid.

Floods damage ready-to-harvest paddy worth Rs 8.21 billion

Farmers lost an estimated Rs 8.21 billion worth paddy due to floods triggered by the torrential rain after monsoon last week.

A preliminary study report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) has estimated some 269,842 tonnes of paddy across the country. According to the ministry, the 19 districts of six provinces lost their produce.

According to the ministry, Lumbini Province suffered the largest amount of loss by the disaster as it lost 161,223 tonnes of ready to harvest paddy that is worth Rs 4.51 billion. Likewise, Kailali and Kanchanpur districts of the Sudurpaschim Province also lost an estimated Rs 1.91 billion worth paddy. "The flood damaged 68,400 tonnes of paddy in the province," according to the ministry.

Province 1 also suffered a damage of some 28,469 tonnes of the paddy as the farmers in Morang, Jhapa and Sunsari districts of the province were hit hard by the disaster. "These three districts lost an estimated Rs 800 million worth paddy crop," the ministry confirmed, adding that the Province 2 lost Rs 560 million worth paddy, whereas Gandagi and Karnali province each lost Rs 130 million worth paddy crop.

South Asia flood sweeps 9.6 million people as humanitarian crisis deepens

A humanitarian crisis is deepening in South Asia as new figures reveal that more than 9.6 million people have been affected by monsoon floods, devastating large areas of India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
“Millions of people across Bangladesh, India and Nepal have been marooned, their homes damaged and crops destroyed by floods that are the worst in recent years,” International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) secretary general Jagan Chapagain said, adding that every year there are monsoon floods, but this year is different as it comes at the height of a deadly Covid-19 global pandemic. “Tragically, already 550 people have lost their lives and more than 9.6 million people have been swamped across South Asia.”
Close to one third of Bangladesh has already been flooded with forecasts of worse flooding in the coming days. More than 2.8 million people have been affected, including close to 1 million who remain isolated and surrounded by floodwaters, according to the Bangladesh Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
In India, more than 6.8 million people have been affected by severe floods, mainly in the northern states of Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and Meghalaya bordering Bangladesh, according to the Indian National Emergency Response Centre.
Likewise, in Nepal, flooding and landslides have already killed close to 110 people. Across India, Bangladesh and Nepal, 550 have died according to government figures. Millions have been displaced from their homes.
“People in Bangladesh, India and Nepal are sandwiched in a triple disaster of flooding, the coronavirus and an associated socioeconomic crisis of loss of livelihoods and jobs,” Chapagain said, adding that flooding of farm lands and destruction of crops can push millions of people, already badly impacted by the Covid-19, further into poverty.
IFRC has released more than 800,000 Swiss francs ($850,000) to support Bangladesh Red Crescent relief activities, including more than 230,000 Swiss francs released last month when flood forecasts signaled the extent of the potential impact.
Volunteers in India, Bangladesh and Nepal are helping with shelter, providing tarpaulins, dry food and hygiene kits, and installing pumps for safe water. In Bangladesh, Red Crescent teams have distributed cash grants to help more than 35,000 people cope with the flooding. In India, over 9,200 tarpaulins have been distributed to most at-risk families, and in Nepal, Red Cross teams are airlifting relief supplies to communities that cannot be reached by road.
Many communities in Bangladesh and India are still recovering after Cyclone Amphan damaged or destroyed more than 260,000 homes, crops and infrastructure, two months ago.

Monsoon rains bring severe flooding and landslides across South Asia

Heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides across three countries in South Asia – Nepal, India, and Bangladesh – have killed at least 93 children, and put the lives of millions more at risk. UNICEF estimates that more than 12 million people, including about five million children have been affected.
“Millions of children have seen their lives turned upside down by the torrential rainfall, flooding and landslides," said UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia Jean Gough. “As the rains continue, these numbers are only likely to grow,” she said, adding that UNICEF is responding urgently, working with local authorities and partners to ensure children are kept safe, and provide the support needed.
Whilst many areas remain inaccessible due to damage to roads, bridges and railways, the most urgent needs for children are clean water, hygiene supplies to prevent the spread of disease, food supplies and safe places in evacuation centres for children to play.
UNICEF is on the ground working in close coordination with respective governments and humanitarian partners from the three countries to scale up its responses and respond to immediate needs of affected children and their families, according to a press note issued by the UNICEF.
In Nepal, estimated 68,666 people are temporarily displaced, including 28,702 children, it reads, adding that a total of 88 people have died, including 47 children (15 girls and 32 boys). “Some 31 people are missing while 41 have been injured,” according to the latest reports from the government. “Nearly 12,000 households have been temporarily displaced in central and eastern Nepal.”
However, many affected families have started going back home since the rains have decreased and water level receded.
Likewise, in India, more than ten million people have been affected across Assam, Bihar, parts of Uttar Pradesh and other north-eastern states, including more than 4.3 million children. As the situation develops these numbers are only likely to increase. “Whilst parts of the country have been suffering from heavy rainfall and flooding, other parts are still reeling from the aftermath of severe heat and water deficit, affecting almost half of the country,” it reads.
In Bangladesh, monsoon rains continue to affect most of the country, particularly the central-northern and south east regions. More than two million people have been affected by flooding, including around 700,510 children. An estimated 367,341 houses have been damaged or destroyed and 1,866 primary and community schools have been damaged by flood waters.
“Across the region, we are seeing the devastating impact of extreme weather events on children and families,” Gough said, adding that as weather events become more extreme, unpredictable and erratic, it is children who are paying the heaviest price.
While individual extreme weather events cannot specifically be attributed to climate change, the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather - including recent high temperatures, intense rains and slow-moving weather fronts - are in line with predictions of how human activities are affecting the global climate.
Such events can cause death and devastation and can also contribute to the increased spread of major killers of children, such as malnutrition, malaria and diarrhoea. And as these extreme climate events increase in frequency and magnitude, the risks to children will likely outpace global capacity to mitigate them as well as to provide humanitarian response, it reads.
Floods threaten children’s survival and development, with direct impacts including injuries and death by drowning. Beyond these immediate risks, floods compromise safe water supplies and damage sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of diarrhoea and other disease outbreaks, as well as impacting children’s access to education. Damage to housing endangers children’s well-being, particularly if emergency shelter is either scarce or inadequate. It also destroys infrastructure, making it difficult to move lifesaving assistance where needed.

Some 40 per cent fisheries destroyed in Bara district

Around 40 per cent fisheries in Bara have been destroyed by the floods triggered by incessant rainfall.
According to Fisheries Entrepreneurs’ Association Bara, the floods – in Bakaiya river and Pasaha river – has swept away around 4,000 metric tonnes of fish from different fish ponds in the district.
The floods mostly destroyed fisheries in Bodhban Rambaran, Baluwa, Kakadi of Kohlbi Municipality, Umajan, Pipara of Karaiyamai Rural Municipality, Kacharwa, Amritgunj, Uchidiha of Simraunagadh Municipality, and Benauli, Bairiya and Birta of Pachhrauta Municipality. Likewise, the floods destroyed fish ponds in Kawahi Goth of Subarna Rural Municipality and Rohahi of Devtal Rural Municipality, the association said, adding that farmers in the district have to bear huge loss after floods swept away fish from their ponds as they had aimed to produce more than 49,000 metric tonnes fish this year.
Around 2,040-hectare land has been used in the district for commercial pisciculture, according to Fish Development Office. “The continuous rainfall and floods destroyed fisheries in more than 815-hectare land.”
Apart from fishery, the incessant rainfall and floods also destroyed seasonal crops in 50,300-hectare land in the district, according to Agriculture Knowledge Centre Bara.

Flood-resistant houses in six months

The government has decided to build flood-resistant houses in flood-prone districts within next six months. The decision comes a month after floods triggered by the heavy monsoon rains wreaked havoc in Southern plains.
A meeting of the Central Natural Disaster Relief Committee (CNDRC) on Tuesday chaired by home minister Janardan Sharma decided to build flood-resistant houses in the flood-prone districts.
Sharma has instructed the government agencies to come up with a plan for constructing such houses within six months.
Addressing the meeting, which consists of various governmental and non-governmental agencies working in response and recovery phases of natural disasters, he said adding that the government should complete construction of houses within six months and rehabilitate flood victims as quickly as possible.
According to the Home Ministry, some 43,433 houses were destroyed whereas 158,197 houses were temporarily damaged by floods. The August flood displaced nearly 21,000 families temporarily. Although, most of them have returned, many still remain displaced and are taking shelters in makeshift tents. Likewise, at least 159 people were killed in one of the worst water-induced disasters – which struck the southern plains in the second week of August – in many years.
In order to expedite the process, Sharma said required budget would be released at the earliest. "After collecting details, we should start building houses with an aim to rehabilitate the flood-hit within six months,” he said adding that the government will start by forming a committee within a week, which will then prepare estimation for houses with the flood-resistant base.
The recovery of the flood victims in the aftermath of the recent disaster has been sluggish. The National Disaster Response Framework (NDRF) 2015 outlines roles and responsibilities to be carried out by various governmental and non-governmental agencies. These agencies need to work in specific clusters like health, food security, shelter, education and nutrition among others.
The Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development, which should lead early recover cluster as per the NDRF, admitted that the recovery process has been slow due to limited resources.
According to chief of the Municipality and Environment Division of the ministry Suresh Adhikari, local bodies have helped flood victims in rescue phase by providing food items, clothes and temporary shelters, but not much has been done in the recovery phase, especially in reconstruction.
During the Central Natural Disaster Relief Committee meeting, Sharma also directed other ministries and departments to prepare detailed reports on people displaced by floods. He also pointed out the need to construct embankments and other structures under ‘People’s Embankment Project’, run under the Department of Water Induced Disaster Management, only after formulating a sustainable plan. 

UK aid support to victims of devastating floods in South Asia

The International Development secretary today announced that the Department for International Development (DfID) is allocating further support to the flood response in Nepal, including by providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as support immediate food security needs and health support.
Monsoon flooding and landslides have affected an estimated 8 million and 1.7 million people in Bangladesh and Nepal, respectively.
DfID is allocating £400,000 to the Nepal Red Cross Society in partnership with the British Red Cross and International Federation of the Red Cross for monsoon flood response. Some 75 per cent of the support is earmarked for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), livelihood recovery, and health.
The support will provide safe water supply to over 13,000 people, ensure over 3,000 of those most severely affected receive immediate food and financial support and reach over 2,000 women and girl’s with health supplies.
According to the International Development secretary Priti Patel the devastating flooding in South Asia is truly heart-breaking. "Entire communities have lost their homes, their livelihoods and their loved ones," she asaid, adding that the UK has stepped up to support the region, the pre-positioned relief supplies ensured thousands of people received immediate support and we continue to provide assistance to vulnerable people, who have lost everything. "Today’s announcement will provide clean water and prevent the spread of deadly and crippling diseases, as we continue to work to meet the immediate needs of people on the ground."
The announcement is the latest support the UK has provided to Bangladesh and Nepal. It includes the Humanitarian Staging Area at the capital’s airport in Kathmandu that was built with funding from UK aid and provides one of the main relief coordination centres for the government. UK preparedness support, through Oxfam, is providing immediate relief supplies to 30,000 people for emergency shelter and WASH. DFID is also supporting overall coordination.
The UK will continue to monitor the situation in both countries, and work with their governments to support immediate needs and to help people and communities affected to recover once flooding has receded, it added. "Flooding has also affected India, where the UK continues to monitor the situation, and our thoughts are with those that have been affected."