Nepal, the landlocked nation nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, is grappling with the devastating consequences of monsoon rains. In a tragic incident on Saturday, June 29th, 2024, landslides triggered by heavy downpour claimed the lives of nine individuals, with three being children.
The geological and topographical characteristics of the region, combined with deforestation and human settlements in vulnerable areas, exacerbate the risk of landslides.
Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc in Nepal
The monsoon season in Nepal typically commences in mid-June and extends till September. This year, the rains arrived early and have been particularly relentless. The incessant downpours have caused widespread flooding in the southern plains, disrupting transportation and agricultural activities.
But it’s in the mountainous regions where the monsoon’s fury is most keenly felt. Here, the combination of heavy rainfall and steep slopes creates a perfect storm for landslides.
The downpours saturate the soil, increasing its weight and reducing its stability. This weakens the forces holding the soil particles together, making them more susceptible to movement. When the weight of the saturated soil overcomes these forces, a landslide occurs. The steeper the slope, the less rain it takes to trigger a landslide.
Landslide Incidents in Nepal
Two separate incidents in western Nepal resulted in the fatalities. The first occurred in Malika Rural Municipality, Gulmi district, where a landslide swept away a house, burying five members of a single family alive. Devi Ram Aryal, chairman of the municipality, confirmed the recovery of all the bodies.
The second incident struck Phedikhola Rural Municipality, Syangja district. A mother and daughter tragically lost their lives after a landslide hit their residence. Indra Bahadur Rana, spokesperson for the Syangja district police, confirmed this information.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
Following the incidents, local authorities swiftly deployed rescue teams to the affected areas. These teams, comprised of police personnel, army soldiers, and volunteers, work tirelessly in a race against time to locate and rescue any survivors who might be trapped under the debris.
However, the challenging mountainous terrain and continuous rainfall pose significant hurdles to their operations.
Landslides often occur in remote areas with limited accessibility, making it difficult for heavy machinery to reach the affected sites. The incessant rain further complicates the situation, as it can trigger additional landslides and creates a constant risk of mudslides.
Despite these challenges, rescue workers persevere in their efforts, determined to save lives.
The Nepalese government, along with local authorities and humanitarian organizations, swiftly mobilized to provide aid and support to the affected communities. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate survivors and recover the bodies of those who perished.
International Cooperation on Nepal Tragedy
Nepal’s mountainous terrain and limited resources make it challenging to address these issues independently. International cooperation is crucial for providing financial aid, technical expertise, and sharing best practices in disaster risk reduction.
Neighboring countries like India and China, which also face similar challenges in their mountainous regions, can provide valuable support through knowledge sharing and joint training programs for disaster preparedness and response.
Additionally, international organizations like the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Bank can offer financial assistance and technical expertise for implementing landslide mitigation projects.
Collaboration on research and development of early warning systems and forecasting models can significantly improve Nepal’s preparedness for future monsoon seasons.
Building a More Resilient Nepal
The recent tragedy serves as a stark reminder of Nepal’s vulnerability to natural disasters. However, it also presents an opportunity for the nation to build back stronger and more resilient. By prioritizing long-term disaster risk reduction strategies, Nepal can significantly reduce the impact of future monsoon seasons.
As Nepal mourns the loss of nine precious lives, including three young children, the nation reflects on the fragility of human existence in the shadow of natural disasters. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there is resilience—the resilience of a people who have weathered countless storms and emerged stronger each time.
The nation’s breathtaking beauty and unwavering spirit should not be overshadowed by such disasters. By building resilience, Nepal can ensure the safety of its people and protect its awe-inspiring landscapes for generations to come.
