Monsoon-Triggered Disasters Claim 211 Lives in Nepal, 48 Still Missing

A total of 211 people have lost their lives due to monsoon-triggered disasters and other incidents across Nepal over the past few months, with 48 individuals still reported missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Of the total fatalities, 170 were caused by monsoon-induced disasters, while the remaining deaths were attributed to other incidents, including fires, snakebites, high-altitude sickness, and animal assaults. The data has been compiled since June 10, marking the onset of this year’s monsoon season.

NDRRMA Spokesperson Dr. Dijan Bhattarai reported that the Bagmati and Gandaki provinces suffered the highest losses, with 58 casualties each. Lumbini province followed with 39 deaths, Koshi with 26, Sudurpaschim with 14, Karnali with nine, and Madhes with seven.

In addition to the human toll, 3,647 families have been affected by 1,333 incidents during this period. The Koshi province reported the highest number of affected families, with 1,212 impacted by 405 incidents. Other provinces also faced significant disruptions, with 513 families affected in Madhes, 471 in Bagmati, 437 in Gandaki, 326 in Lumbini, 240 in Karnali, and 448 in Sudurpaschim.

Among those missing, two are from Koshi, 40 from Bagmati, three from Gandaki, two from Lumbini, and one from Karnali.

This year’s monsoon has proven more deadly than the previous year, which saw 72 casualties by this time. NDRRMA CEO Anil Pokhrel emphasized that the authority is working in a coordinated manner to enhance preparedness, rescue, search operations, and information flow systems for disaster management.

“Rainfall this year has exceeded average levels, as per the forecast, and we are responding to the challenges accordingly,” Pokhrel stated.