"Nepal Disasters: Death Toll Reaches 224, Huge Loss Estimated."
Arpit Pattnaik
The recent floods and landslides in Nepal have resulted in the loss of 224 lives. The government estimates that property damage exceeds 17 billion Nepali Rupees (approximately $127 million). These disasters, caused by continuous monsoon rains, have caused widespread devastation across the country.
Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal reported that 158 people were injured and 24 remain missing. The government has deployed 30,700 security personnel for search and rescue operations, which are expected to conclude in the next two days.
Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli offered his condolences to the affected families and acknowledged the unprecedented scale of the disaster. He stated, “We did not anticipate such widespread devastation,” during a press conference. The government has announced a three-day national mourning period, with flags flown at half-mast to honor the victims.
Local communities have been severely impacted, with many homes, roads, and bridges destroyed. The government has established temporary shelters and is providing food and medical aid to the displaced. However, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources, prompting calls for international assistance.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes of destruction. A resident of Lalitpur district said, “The floodwaters came so quickly, we barely had time to escape. Our home is gone, and we have lost everything.”
The government has promised to provide compensation to the affected families and to rebuild the damaged infrastructure. However, the road to recovery is expected to be long and challenging.
As the nation mourns, efforts continue to rescue the missing and provide relief to the survivors. The resilience and solidarity of the Nepali people will be crucial in overcoming this tragedy.
