Nepal warns more rain could worsen flooding

Nepal warned on Tuesday of possible fresh flooding as rescue teams continued searching for hundreds of missing people, including foreign pilgrims and hikers, after extreme monsoon rains triggered deadly landslides and flash floods across the Himalayan nation.

Heavy rainfall since Sunday has killed at least 15 people, destroyed bridges, and swept away roads in districts like Dhading, Gorkha, and Sindhupalchok. Rescue operations are ongoing, but officials say more rain could worsen conditions and trigger new disasters. The government has urged communities near rivers and unstable slopes to evacuate immediately. Among the missing are hikers on popular trekking routes, workers at hydropower projects, and pilgrims heading to sacred sites like Mount Manaslu.

The disaster comes during peak monsoon season, when Nepal typically sees heavy downpours that often lead to landslides and floods. Climate change has intensified these patterns, making rainfall heavier and more unpredictable. Nepal’s terrain—steep mountains, fragile geology, and poorly regulated infrastructure—amplifies the risks. In 2021, similar floods killed over 200 people and displaced thousands. This week’s rains have already overwhelmed drainage systems, blocked rivers, and cut off remote villages.

Aid agencies have begun distributing food, clean water, and medical supplies to affected areas, but access remains difficult due to damaged roads and landslides. The government has requested international support, including helicopters and rescue teams, to reach stranded communities. Experts warn that without better disaster preparedness and climate adaptation, such crises will only grow more frequent and severe. For now, the focus is on finding survivors and preventing further loss of life as the country braces for more rain.