Intense Rainfall Ravages Eastern Nepal: 25 People Missing, 1 Fatality Reported

KATHMANDU: Heavy rains have hit East Nepal, causing flash floods and landslides that have tragically claimed one life while leaving 25 others missing, according to authorities. These incidents mark the first recorded fatality since the monsoon rains began last week.

Hydroelectric Project on Hewa River Devastated, 16 Workers Unaccounted For

Amidst the torrential rainfall, a hydroelectric project under construction on the Hewa River in the Sankhuwasabha district of eastern Nepal was swept away, leading to the disappearance of 16 workers, as confirmed by government official Bimal Paudel.While one corpse has been found, efforts are being made to find the missing laborers with the help of the local police.

Additional Disappearances in Taplejung and Panchthar Districts

Neighboring Taplejung and Panchthar districts, bordering India in the east, have also been affected by flash floods and landslides, resulting in the vanishing of nine people, according to official reports.

Overnight Rains Cause Bridge Damage, Isolate Taplejung District

Gaurav Dhakal from Panchthar district reported significant damage to two bridges along the Mechi highway due to heavy overnight rainfall, effectively cutting off road access to the remote Taplejung district. Consequently, four individuals in Taplejung are missing and disconnected from external aid and assistance.

Sidingwa Village at Risk, Rescue Operations Hindered

Relentless heavy rains have presented immense challenges for rescue workers, hindering their efforts to reach the hilly Sidingwa village. At least 20 homes in this isolated community are presently in jeopardy of being destroyed by the roaring floodwaters.

Impact of Annual Monsoon Rains

Nepal heavily relies on the annual monsoon rains, which typically begin in mid-June and persist until September, to sustain its crops. Unfortunately, these rains also bring devastating consequences. Every year, floods wreak devastation, inundating villages, destroying crops, and seriously harming the nation's infrastructure. Numerous people die and more go missing. This is especially true for Nepal, a landlocked country with a hilly landscape that is sandwiched between China and India.