(Kathmandu) Floods caused by incessant rains have killed at least 32 people in Nepal’s capital, and 12 others are missing, police said on Saturday.
The rains have been falling since Friday evening and are expected to continue throughout the weekend. According to Nepali police spokesperson Bishwo Adhikari, 17 people were also injured and 1,053 were rescued in Kathmandu.
He said all police personnel across the country had been ordered to take part in the relief efforts.
The government had issued flood warnings across the Himalayan country, warning of massive rainfall.
PHOTO GOPEN RAI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
An aerial view of the Bagmati River in flood due to heavy rains in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 28, 2024.
Coaches were banned from traveling on highways at night and cars were advised against traveling on the roads. Security forces were ordered to go on high alert.
Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak told reporters that damage had also been reported in other parts of the country, and that authorities were still gathering information.
“The government’s priority right now is to rescue people and help those who have been affected,” Mr Lekhak said.
Parts of Kathmandu were flooded by swollen rivers, many houses were flooded and residents were forced to move to higher floors. A large area south of the city was largely flooded. An army helicopter was used to rescue four people who were unable to leave their homes.
Most of Kathmandu was without electricity and internet for some time.
Landslides and flooding were reported in other parts of the country.
The monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall, began in June and usually ends by mid-September.