Disasters Claim 191 Lives in Bagmati Province, Nepal, During First Quarter of Fiscal Year

In the first three months of the current fiscal year 2081/82, a series of natural disasters, including floods, landslides, inundation, and fires, have claimed 191 lives in 10 districts of Bagmati Province, excluding the Kathmandu Valley. The Bagmati Province Police Office in Hetauda reported that of these, 177 fatalities were directly linked to intense rainfall that triggered devastating floods and landslides on September 27 and 28.

According to Superintendent of Police Durgaraj Regmi, 157 people were killed in landslides, while floods claimed 11 lives and nine people drowned across the province. Additionally, eight people died from electrocution, four from lightning strikes, and one each due to fire and a wild animal attack. The disaster toll includes 173 injuries, while 11 people remain missing.

The damage to infrastructure has been extensive: 171 concrete houses, 673 mud houses, and 161 sheds were destroyed, along with 93 vehicles and 20 industries. The disasters also impacted education and government facilities, damaging 83 schools and 12 government offices across affected districts. Floods and landslides took a toll on transportation, damaging 48 concrete and suspension bridges, and many roads connecting Kathmandu were blocked. Authorities are gradually restoring these routes to reconnect the federal capital with affected areas.

The Bagmati Province Police Office underscored the challenges in response and repair efforts due to the scale and severity of the destruction.