Over 130 Landslides and at Least 22 Deaths in Nepal Within a Week as Disaster Strikes Nationwide
Image source, RSS
Authorities have reported that at least 22 people have lost their lives due to the most severe landslide disaster that has struck Nepal in the past week.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 132 major landslide incidents were recorded during the week leading up to Saun 31 (mid-August).
NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat described the situation as “very serious,” highlighting that particularly in Rolpa and Jajarkot districts, many tragic events occurred.
“Just in Rolpa alone, 17 people have died in the past week due to landslides, along with 4 deaths in Jajarkot and 1 in Bajura,” she said.
“Currently, more than 200 individuals have been relocated to temporary shelters in other areas.”
Following a meeting of the Monsoon Response Command Post held on Sunday at Singha Durbar, officials were instructed to provide immediate relief to the affected people in accordance with the law, spokesperson Mahat informed.
“Work to expedite the construction of temporary and permanent housing has also been directed with relevant agencies,” she added.
Meteorologists from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology have warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in western hilly regions until Tuesday, urging residents to remain vigilant.
Heavier Rainfall in Western Nepal
Weather officials have noted continuous and increasing rainfall from Bagmati Province extending westward.
Meteorologist David Dhakal stated, “From Sunday night through Monday, significant rainfall is expected in western Nepal, particularly in the western parts of Lumbini Province and Sudurpaschim Province, where rainfall is projected to exceed average levels.”
According to him, even though rainfall is ongoing across the country, the Terai region of Koshi Province and Madhesh Province still experience relatively low precipitation.
Image source, RSS
Due to the proximity of a low-pressure trough near Nepal, rainfall activity has been intensified from central to western regions.
This year, the monsoon began approximately one week later than the average start date, commencing on June 19.
According to meteorologist Dhakal, Nepal typically receives about 1,500 mm of rainfall during the monsoon season. Data from 20 monitoring stations indicate only approximately 53 percent rainfall up to August 14 compared to normal levels.
Despite receiving roughly half of average rainfall thus far, precipitation remains below expectations.
“Rainfall has been intermittent and scattered this season. For example, in the last 24 hours, one monitoring site in Bardiya recorded 140 mm of rainfall, while a nearby station received only 32 mm,” Dhakal explained.
Landslides – The Primary Deadly Hazard of This Monsoon Season
Image source, NDRRMA
In Nepal, monsoon-related disasters are categorized into four groups: floods, landslides, lightning, and heavy rainfall. Since the monsoon began this year, over 1,300 such incidents have been recorded by the authority.
“Landslides are the leading cause of fatalities within just two months, with at least 39 deaths reported,” said spokesperson Mahat.
“Extended periods of continuous rain tend to increase landslide incidents. A lack of public awareness about landslide risks remains a major challenge.”
According to the authority’s data, in the recent monsoon period, besides landslides, 14 deaths occurred due to floods, 13 from lightning, and 1 linked to heavy rainfall.
More than 15 districts have experienced landslide impacts, resulting in repeated blockages of major roads.