At least 59 dead, 44 missing in Nepal floods

Floods and landslides caused by heavy rains have killed at least 59 people in Nepal, police announced on Saturday September 28, who also reported 44 people missing and 36 injured. Faced with the heavy rainfall which began on Friday, the authorities had warned of flash floods in several rivers. Those in the capital Kathmandu swelled, flooding houses and cars near the banks. Landslides blocked several highways, leaving hundreds of people struggling.

More than 3,000 security forces were deployed to assist in the rescue operations using helicopters and motorboats. All domestic flights from Kathmandu were canceled from Friday evening, affecting more than 150 departures.

Monsoons from June to September cause death and destruction across South Asia each year, but the number of deadly floods and landslides has increased in recent years. Experts say climate change has worsened their frequency and intensity.

Since the 19th century, the Earth’s average temperature has warmed by 1.1°C. Scientists have established with certainty that this increase is due to human activities, which consume fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas). This warming, unprecedented in its speed, threatens the future of our societies and biodiversity. But solutions – renewable energies, sobriety, reduced meat consumption – exist. Discover our answers to your questions about the climate crisis.