Heavy monsoon rains in west Nepal have caused landslides, killing at least nine people, including three children, an official said on Saturday. This is part of a series of monsoon-related disasters that have claimed at least 35 lives across Nepal since mid-June, due to landslides, floods, and lightning strikes.
One tragic incident happened in Malika village, Gulmi district, about 250 km west of Kathmandu. A landslide hit a house while a family of five, including two children, were asleep, resulting in their deaths. Dizan Bhattarai, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Rescue and Reduction Management Authority, confirmed that all five bodies have been recovered.
In another incident in Syangja district, a woman and her three-year-old daughter died when a landslide swept away their house. In nearby Baglung district, two more people were killed by a landslide.
These events show how dangerous the annual monsoon rains can be in Nepal. The rains, which last from mid-June to mid-September, often cause landslides and flash floods, especially in the mountainous areas. Every year, these disasters lead to hundreds of deaths and significant property damage.
Besides the recent deaths in Gulmi, Syangja, and Baglung districts, other areas in Nepal have also faced similar disasters. In Taplejung, a landslide killed four family members and injured two others, highlighting the widespread danger.
The ongoing monsoon season continues to threaten life and property in Nepal, with more landslides and floods likely as the rains continue. The National Disaster Rescue and Reduction Management Authority is actively involved in rescue and recovery efforts during these difficult times.