The floods, which began last Thursday and continued for 48 hours, have caused extensive damage across Nepal, particularly in the capital, Kathmandu, which experienced its heaviest rainfall in over 50 years.

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the public to support victims of devastating floods that have claimed 224 lives, including 35 children, with two dozen individuals still reported missing. The appeal came during a press conference on Wednesday, where Oli emphasized that the scale of the disaster had far surpassed the government’s initial preparedness efforts.

“This is not just the government’s pain, but the nation’s pain. We are all deeply affected by this disaster,” he said, as reported by The Himalayan Times. His remarks follow public criticism regarding the government’s slow response to the crisis and inadequate relief efforts.

The floods, which began last Thursday and continued for 48 hours, have caused extensive damage across Nepal, particularly in the capital, Kathmandu, which experienced its heaviest rainfall in over 50 years. Infrastructure, including roads and communication systems, has suffered significant destruction, with government estimates placing damages at around 17 billion Nepalese rupees (approximately $126,600).

Government chief secretary Eak Narayan Aryal reported that 16 hydroelectric power plants were affected, leading to a reduction in Nepal’s electricity production. Additionally, 18 construction projects are also reported to have sustained damage.

In response to the crisis, the government has deployed the army in various regions to assist local administrations in restoring traffic and clearing blocked roads. Seventeen road sections along major highways remain impassable due to landslides and flooding.

Children at Heightened Risk

The torrential rains that triggered this disaster have affected 44 of Nepal’s 77 districts, cutting off many areas as bridges and roads have been swept away. Security forces and volunteers have rescued approximately 4,500 people from flooded areas, but more than 7,600 families are reported to have been severely impacted, particularly those living in informal settlements.

As infrastructure continues to be compromised, access to essential resources such as water and food is becoming increasingly critical. The damage to water pumps and agricultural land poses a looming challenge for affected families.

In response to the ongoing crisis, UN humanitarian teams have mobilized rapidly to deliver aid and assess the damage. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is actively distributing vital supplies, including hygiene kits, water purification tablets, blankets, and mosquito nets. Florine Bos, Chief of Communications at UNICEF Nepal, noted that a medical tent has been set up to temporarily replace a destroyed hospital, potentially serving up to 2,000 people in need of healthcare.

Bos expressed concern for children who are at heightened risk of violence and exploitation due to school closures. “Schools are not only for learning, but they also serve as safe spaces for children to gather and play,” she remarked, hoping for a swift reopening of schools.

Still Many Villages Isolated

Azmat Ulla, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Nepal, described the floods as an “unprecedented disaster.” He warned that access to clean water will become a significant challenge in the coming days, with the potential for outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as dengue once the floodwaters recede.

“There are still many villages isolated due to impassable roads and broken bridges,” Ulla said, adding that the Nepal Red Cross and IFRC are coordinating with local authorities to clear roads and reach those in need.

As immediate relief efforts continue, the Red Cross is also preparing for long-term recovery, including the launch of a humanitarian appeal. Ulla emphasized the importance of community preparedness in the face of increasing climate change threats that exacerbate such disasters.

The situation remains dire in many affected regions, as the country grapples with the aftermath of a calamity that has deeply impacted thousands of lives. Prime Minister Oli’s call for national unity and support underscores the need for collective action as Nepal navigates this challenging crisis.