Rain continues to wreak havoc across the country, triggering landslides, floods and lightning strikes, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive property damage. This year’s monsoon entered Nepal on 10th July, and has since claimed more than 125 lives. Meanwhile the country’s focus on political maneuvering rather than focusing on disaster response plan continues the marginalisation of already at-risk populations.

On 13th July, a horrific landslide accident swept two passenger buses into the Trishuli River. In Myagdi, a 65-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman lost their lives, while a flood in Dhanusha injured a 42-year-old woman. Continuous heavy rain in Sarlahi left a 35-year-old woman injured.

The following day, July 14th (30th Asadh), a landslide at a gumba in Dakshinkali claimed the life of a 5-year-old child and injured five others. In Kalikot, a 25-year-old man was injured, and a 14-year-old child died in Kalali, highlighting the vulnerability of these regions to natural calamities.

On July 15th (31st Asadh), a 17-year-old boy went missing while swimming in a stream in Bara, adding to the distressing reports of young lives affected by the ongoing disasters.

The situation worsened on July 16th (1st Shrawan) with a landslide in Udaypur resulting in the death of a 71-year-old woman. In Rukum West, a devastating landslide killed three people, left one person missing, and injured five others, emphasizing the severe impact on local communities.

July 17th (2nd Shrawan) saw more tragedies as a landslide in Sankhuwasabha killed two women, aged 55 and 27, and injured another 27-year-old woman. In Jajarkot, four individuals were injured. Floods in Taplejung injured two men, aged 23 and 42, while a 66-year-old man was injured in Kaski. Additionally, two people were injured in Rukum West. Lightning strikes in Kalikot injured four individuals, illustrating the diverse nature of the threats faced.

On July 18th (3rd Shrawan), a landslide in Darchula injured a 40-year-old man. The next day, July 19th (4th Shrawan), a 22-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy were injured in Baitadi due to another landslide.

Simaltal incident: Two more bodies were recovered from the Narayani River, bringing the total number of bodies found to 23 out of the 65 passengers initially reported missing. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shailendra Thapa of the Armed Police Force (APF) stated that the recovery was carried out by the Special Service Bureau, with assistance from the Border Out Post, Nepal Police, and local representatives. Of the 23 bodies recovered, 15 have been identified, while efforts to identify the remaining eight males and one female continue.

The active monsoon season has exacerbated natural disasters across Nepal, impacting rivers, river areas, and human settlements in the Terai and Kathmandu Valley. Floods and landslides have escalated in mountainous areas, disrupting long and short-distance highways and causing significant economic and human losses, including damage to arable land.

Analysts argue that the Federal Parliament’s focus on political maneuvering rather than disaster response and welfare exacerbates the situation. In Nepal, the incidence of disasters peaks from June through September. Meteorologists predict that this period will see a higher number of disasters compared to other times.

Dr. Dharmaraj Upreti, a climate and disaster management expert, noted that an unstable government impacts disaster risk management. “Political instability leads to policy changes and negatively affects the bureaucracy,” he said. “The Constitution of Nepal 2072 places the responsibility of disaster relief on all three levels of government, but effective action is lacking.”

Geologist Somnath Sapkota emphasized Nepal’s high risk for natural disasters and the need for government prioritization. “Hundreds die annually due to various disasters, causing financial losses. The government should focus on providing advance information and enhancing rescue capabilities, but this has not been achieved,” he stated.

The Government of Nepal has enacted the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act 2074 to mitigate disaster risks. This Act mandates the formation of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Despite these efforts, significant gaps in disaster management remain. “We have sufficient laws, but their implementation is ineffective,” Sapkota remarked.