Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall on Saturday killed at least nine people, including an entire family, while they were sleeping in Nepal’s mountainous districts, officials said.
The landslides buried houses in three separate areas in the country’s mountainous region, about 250 kilometers (156 miles) west of the capital, Kathmandu, according to Nepal’s National Disaster Rescue and Reduction Management Authority.
Five members of the same family were killed when their house was swallowed by a landslide while they were asleep at Malika village in Gulmi district. The victims included a couple, their daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, including an 8-month-old girl.
Two more people were killed in neighboring Baglung district and another two in Syangja districts, officials said.
The monsoon season that brings heavy rainfall in Nepal began earlier this month. It generally triggers landslides in the mountainous areas that cover most parts of this Himalayan nation, causing deaths and damage until September.
In 2015, a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall buried six villages in Nepal’s mountainous northeast, and at least 15 people sleeping in the homes were believed to have been killed, officials said. The landslide hit during the night in Taplejung district, about 310 miles east of the capital, Kathmandu, said government administrator Surendra Bhattarai.
In 2002, landslides in northeastern Nepal killed 32 people.
The recent landslides have once again highlighted the vulnerability of Nepal’s mountainous regions during the monsoon season. The heavy rainfall often leads to devastating landslides, causing significant loss of life and property. The government and various disaster management authorities are continuously working to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters, but the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather patterns make it a daunting task.
Efforts are being made to improve early warning systems and to educate the local population about the risks and necessary precautions during the monsoon season. However, the remote and rugged nature of many affected areas often hampers rescue and relief operations.
The tragic loss of an entire family in Malika village is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by landslides in these regions. The community is mourning the loss of the couple, their daughter-in-law, and the two young grandchildren, including the 8-month-old girl. The local authorities are providing support to the affected families and are working to ensure that those in vulnerable areas are relocated to safer locations.
In neighboring Baglung district, the landslides claimed two more lives, adding to the toll of this natural disaster. Similarly, in Syangja district, two individuals lost their lives due to the landslides. The cumulative impact of these events has left a trail of destruction and grief across the region.
The monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September, is a critical period for Nepal. While the rains are essential for agriculture, they also bring the risk of landslides and flooding. The government and various non-governmental organizations are working to balance the benefits of the monsoon with the need to protect lives and property.
In the wake of these recent landslides, there is a renewed focus on disaster preparedness and response. Authorities are urging residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant and to heed warnings and advisories. Efforts are also being made to improve infrastructure and to implement measures that can reduce the risk of landslides, such as reforestation and the construction of retaining walls.
The international community has also expressed solidarity with Nepal during this difficult time. Various countries and organizations have offered assistance and support to help with the relief and recovery efforts. The resilience and spirit of the Nepalese people are being tested once again, but there is hope that with continued efforts and support, the impact of such disasters can be mitigated in the future.
As the monsoon season progresses, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those in vulnerable areas. The lessons learned from past disasters are being applied to improve preparedness and response, but the unpredictable nature of the weather and the challenging terrain continue to pose significant challenges.
The recent landslides serve as a somber reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness and resilience. The loss of lives, including the tragic death of an entire family, underscores the need for continued efforts to protect communities and to reduce the risk of such devastating events in the future.
Source: CBS/AP, The Associated Press, PTI
