2024 Nepal floods

Torrential rainfall during the annual monsoon season in early July, mid August, and late September 2024 caused massive flooding across Nepal as well as several mudslides.

The impact of the floods was further increased by poor infrastructure and settlement planning, including unplanned construction on floodplains.

In late September, the Government of Nepal reported at least 224 deaths, 158 injuries, 28 missing persons due to severe flooding, including at least 37 in Kathmandu.

The government directed police and military forces, totalling over 30,000 people,[3] to assist with rescue and clean-up work, and schools and universities were closed in impacted areas.

All flights from Tribhuvan International Airport were cancelled,[failed verification] and Nepalese schools and universities closed for three days.

Nepalese weather official Binu Maharjan stated that a low-pressure system lingering over nearby regions of India and over the Bay of Bengal was the primary cause of the increased and prolonged flooding in 2024.

[11] On 18 August 2024 the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology issued warnings for potential further flooding and landslides, advising evacuation for those living along the Dudhkoshi River.

[12] Beginning on 26 September, torrential levels of rain impacted most of Nepal, bringing the most rainfall to the nation's Eastern and Southeastern regions.

[19][20][21] In the capital Kathmandu, the Bagmati River rose two meters above its safe level, causing severe flooding, including a large section in the south of the city.

Pointing to the destruction of at least 12 schools and severe damage to many others, the agency also raised alarm over the loss of learning opportunities and a place where children could find comfort and normalcy.

[27] Over 3,000 security personnel from all forces, including the army, were assigned to aid rescue and recovery operations using motorboats, rafts, and helicopters.

[6] The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development stated that improper investment into Nepal's infrastructure and its poor planning contributed to the magnitude of the disaster.

The centre insisted that the government invest more in its infrastructure, including flood prevention mechanisms such as underground stormwater systems.