Heavy flood washes away bridge in Nepal
by Komal Kashyap
Since Friday, large areas in eastern and central Nepal have been affected, with flash floods reported in several locations. Police confirmed 192 fatalities and 94 injuries related to these incidents, as stated by Rishiram Pokharel, spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs. Ongoing search and rescue operations involve all security agencies, and the Nepal Army has airlifted 162 people from various parts of the country.
The flooding has severely damaged infrastructure, with multiple bridges being swept away. Online videos show iron bridges struggling against the strong currents. Kathmandu remains isolated, as landslides have blocked all three major highways leading out of the city. In response to the crisis, police and soldiers are using heavy machinery to clear the blocked roads. The government has also decided to close schools and colleges nationwide for three days as a precautionary measure.
Around 4,000 people affected by the floods have been rescued by the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force. Relief materials, including food, have been distributed to those rescued. In the Balkhu area on the outskirts of Kathmandu, social workers helped provide meals to 400 people.
Since Saturday, national highways have been obstructed by landslides, leaving hundreds stranded. Efforts are ongoing to clear these routes, and transport has resumed on the Tribhuvan Highway, which connects Kathmandu to other districts, according to Pokharel.