View source for 2024 Nepal floods

{{Short description|2024 floods in Nepal}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox flood
| duration = July 2024 – present
| affected = [[Nepal]], primarily its eastern and south-eastern districts
| fatalities = 250+
| missing = 50+
| total damages = Rs17 billion+ (estimated)
<ref>{{cite web | url=https://kathmandupost.com/money/2024/10/01/heavy-rains-inflict-rs17-billion-loss-on-nepal | title=Heavy rains inflict an estimated Rs17 billion loss on Nepal }}</ref>
| cause = [[Climate change]], urbanisation near [[flood plains]] and poor drainage infrastructure
| image = 
| caption = 
| alt = 
}} 
Torrential rainfall during the annual [[monsoon season]] in early July, mid August, and late September 2024 caused significant flooding across [[Nepal]] as well as several [[Mudflow|mudslides]]. The September floods, which caused the most damage and deaths, were caused by the heaviest rainfall recorded in the region since at least 1970, itself the result of [[climate change]]s and specifically a [[Low-pressure area|low-pressure system]]. The impact of the floods was further increased by poor infrastructure and settlement planning, including unplanned construction on [[Floodplain|floodplains]].

The most severe floods began on 26 September and heavily impacted several of eastern Nepal's districts, especially those districts adjacent to Kathmandu and the Bagmati River. The nearby states of India, such as [[Bihar]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Assam]], and parts of northern [[Bangladesh]] were also affected.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Gopal |date=30 September 2024 |title=Nepal begins to assess damage after deadly rains, floods kill 192 |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/nepal-begins-assess-damage-after-deadly-rains-floods-kill-192-2024-09-30/ |access-date=30 September 2024 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> The [[Kosi River]] filled to dangerous levels, while the [[Bagmati River ]] and Nakkhu rivers caused flooding in [[Bagmati Province]]. The [[Kathmandu Valley]] received between 240 mm (9.4 in) and 322.2 mm (12.7 inches) between 28 and 29 September, causing flooding in Nepal's capital, [[Kathmandu]]. Infrastructure, including waterpipes and access to power and internet, was damaged, and seven highways out of the city were blocked. Multiple casualties were reported from vehicles buried by [[Landslide|landslides]]. The government directed police and military forces, totalling over 30,000 people,<ref name=NepG/> to assist with rescue and clean-up work, and schools and universities were closed in impacted areas.

At least 14 people were killed by flooding in early July; nine were reported missing.

In late September, the [[Government of Nepal]] reported that at least 158 injuries, 224 deaths and 28 missing persons were confirmed due to severe flooding, including at least 37 in Kathmandu. All flights from Kathmandu airport were cancelled, and Nepalese schools and universities closed for three days. Around 13,300 people required rescue, while at least 1,200 houses were destroyed or damaged. Infrastructure damages included 25 bridges, 27 highways, 11 [[hydropower]] stations, 7 highways, and numerous telecommunication stations. Agricultural and livestock resources were also damaged.<ref name=NepG>Government of Nepal, Ministry of Home Affairs, NDRRMA. "2024 September Floods and Landslides Situation Report #2", 01 October 2024. (First Situation Report published on 29 September 2024)</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-01 |title=Rescuers search for missing people in Nepal following flooding and landslides that killed 224 |url=https://apnews.com/article/nepal-flood-landslide-deaths-3d8622e5e258920b013976ce37e155e1 |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

== Floods ==
The annual [[Wet season|monsoon season]] typically begins in June, and lasts until September. Flooding in Nepal coincided with [[2024 India floods|2024 floods]] in neighbouring and nearby states of [[India]], such as [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Assam]]. Nepalese weather official Binu Maharjan stated that a [[Low-pressure area|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.<ref name="aljazeera 28sep">{{Cite web |date=28 September 2024 |title=Nepal floods and landslides death toll tops 100, dozens still missing |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/28/nepal-floods-landslides-several-people-killed-missing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928223353/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/28/nepal-floods-landslides-several-people-killed-missing |archive-date=28 September 2024 |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=[[Al Jazeera]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="dw 29sep">{{Cite web |date=29 September 2024 |title=Nepal floods, landslides leave 104 people dead |url=https://www.dw.com/en/nepal-floods-landslides-leave-104-people-dead/a-70354640 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929083705/https://www.dw.com/en/nepal-floods-landslides-leave-104-people-dead/a-70354640 |archive-date=29 September 2024 |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=[[Deutsche Welle]] |language=en}}</ref> In response, several flood warnings were issued by the [[Government of Nepal|Nepalese government]], along with a ban on travelling on highways at night and a warning against driving cars in general due to the risk of accidents or being caught in deadly flooding or mudslides.<ref name="ie 29sep">{{Cite web |last=Ghimire |first=Yubaraj |date=29 September 2024 |title=Floods, landslides wreak havoc in Nepal: At least 100 dead, dozens missing |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/nepal-floods-landslides-death-toll-missing-numbers-9594149/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929074959/https://indianexpress.com/article/world/nepal-floods-landslides-death-toll-missing-numbers-9594149/ |archive-date=29 September 2024 |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref>

== List of floods==
===July floods===
At least 14 people were killed by flooding in early July, with nine more being reported missing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 2024 |title=Photos: 14 killed in Nepal as flooding grips South Asia |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2024/7/7/fourteen-killed-in-nepal-as-monsoon-rains-cause-flooding-in-south-asia |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=[[Al Jazeera]] |language=en}}</ref>

===August floods===
{{Main|2024 Thame flood}}
[[File:2024 Thame GLOF.png|thumb|upright=1.5|Location of lake burst]]
On 16 August 2024, two glacier lakes burst in the village of [[Thame, Nepal|Thame]] in the [[Everest]] region of [[Solukhumbu District]]. The flood damaged a number of households in [[Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality]].<ref name="risingnepal 17aug">{{Cite web |date=17 August 2024 |title=Flood in Thame due to outburst of two glacial lakes |url=https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/47592 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818004450/https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/47592 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |access-date=18 August 2024 |website=[[The Rising Nepal]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Sandeep |date=16 August 2024 |title=Devastating flash flood sweeps through Thame village after possible glacial lake outburst |url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/flash-flood-mudslide-devastates-thame-village-in-solukhumbu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817151823/https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/flash-flood-mudslide-devastates-thame-village-in-solukhumbu |archive-date=17 August 2024 |access-date=18 August 2024 |website=[[The Himalayan Times]]}}</ref>

Initially, the flood was believed to be due to the blocked river breached by a landslide.  However, an aerial inspection confirmed the cause and revealed that two lakes had broken through, one of the remaining three glacial lakes is safe, two others were still at risk. The rising temperatures since 9 August, which peaked at 15&nbsp;°C on the day of the flood, contributed to the outburst. <ref name="risingnepal 17aug" />

The flood, which occurred suddenly, displaced 135 people, including 40 children. Most residents had already left for [[Kathmandu]] or were at the weekly marketplace in [[Namche Bazaar|Namche]]. The school was closed for the day, so no students were hurt. Search and rescue operations was done by the [[Nepali Army]] and [[Nepal Police]]. The [[Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] coordinated disaster response efforts, and local officials provided the relief. The flood also disrupted key road networks and communication services.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh Rai |first=Dambar |date=17 August 2024 |title=Rare flood destroys 12 houses, a school and a clinic in Everest village |url=https://kathmandupost.com/province-no-1/2024/08/17/rare-flood-destroys-12-houses-a-school-and-a-clinic-in-everest-village |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818004449/https://kathmandupost.com/province-no-1/2024/08/17/rare-flood-destroys-12-houses-a-school-and-a-clinic-in-everest-village |archive-date=18 August 2024 |access-date=18 August 2024 |website=[[The Kathmandu Post]]}}</ref>

The [[Department of Hydrology and Meteorology]] issued warnings for potential further flooding and landslides, advising evacuation for those living along the [[Dudh Koshi|Dudhkoshi River]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pahari |first=Sara |date=17 August 2024 |title=Catastrophic floods devastate Thame village as one person goes missing |url=http://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/158622/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818004453/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/158622/ |archive-date=18 August 2024 |access-date=18 August 2024 |website=[[República (newspaper)|My República]]}}</ref>

=== September floods ===
Beginning on 26 September, torrential levels of rain impacted most of the country, bringing the most rainfall to the nation's Eastern and Southeastern regions. South-eastern Nepal saw the [[Kosi River]]'s water level surpass the danger level.<ref name="aljazeera 28sep" /><ref name="dw 29sep" /> [[Bagmati Province]] was heavily impacted<ref name="ap 28sep" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 September 2024 |title=More than 100 killed and 64 missing as flooding and landslides hit Nepal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/28/at-least-66-killed-and-69-missing-as-flooding-and-landslides-hit-nepal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001012224/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/28/at-least-66-killed-and-69-missing-as-flooding-and-landslides-hit-nepal |archive-date=1 October 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> by the flooding of the [[Bagmati River]] and the Nakkhu River.<ref name="bbc 29sep">{{Cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Aleks |last2=Dhakal |first2=Sanjaya |date=29 September 2024 |title=Nepal floods: Almost 150 dead and dozens missing after days of heavy rainfall around Kathmandu |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qz82e7d1jo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001012235/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qz82e7d1jo |archive-date=1 October 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=[[BBC]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="reuters 29sep">{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Gopal |date=29 September 2024 |title=Nepal closes schools as deaths from heavy rains hit 151 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nepal-closes-schools-after-heavy-rains-kill-100-2024-09-29/ |access-date=30 September 2024 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> [[Kathmandu Valley]] received between 240 mm (9.4 in) and 322.2 mm (12.7 inches)<ref name="reuters 29sep" /> of rain over a period of 24 hours from the mornings of 28–29 September, representing the capital's largest recorded rainfall since 1970 at the latest.<ref name="ap 28sep" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Uprety |first=Madhab |date=29 September 2024 |title=Nepal floods follow most intense rainfall for more than half a century |url=https://www.climatecentre.org/14546/nepal-floods-follow-most-intense-rainfall-for-more-than-half-a-century/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930072249/https://www.climatecentre.org/14546/nepal-floods-follow-most-intense-rainfall-for-more-than-half-a-century/ |archive-date=30 September 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=[[Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre]]}}</ref> At least 217 deaths and 28 missing were confirmed due to flooding.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nepal death toll climbs to 217 after heavy floods and landslips|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/several-people-die-in-nepal-after/article68704371.ece|date=1 October 2024|access-date=1 October 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Another 4,000 people required rescue.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Ellis-Petersen |first=Hannah |date=30 September 2024 |title=More than 200 dead in Nepal floods, as parts of Kathmandu left under water |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/30/more-than-200-dead-in-nepal-floods-as-parts-of-kathmandu-left-under-water |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001012257/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/30/more-than-200-dead-in-nepal-floods-as-parts-of-kathmandu-left-under-water |archive-date=1 October 2024 |access-date=2024-09-30 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name="et 30sep" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 September 2024 |title=Nepal closes schools as deaths from flooding and landslides reach at least 170 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-30/nepal-closes-schools-flooding-landslides-deaths-kill-151/104411594 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930000605/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-30/nepal-closes-schools-flooding-landslides-deaths-kill-151/104411594 |archive-date=30 September 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |language=en-AU}}</ref> 

In the capital [[Kathmandu]], the Bagmati River rose two meters above its safe level, causing severely flooding, including a large section in the south of the city.<ref name="reuters 29sep" /><ref name=":4" /> Many residents took refuge on upper floors of homes, with some being rescued from their rooftops by helicopters and inflatable rafts. Much of the city also lost power and internet, and multiple water pipes were broken.<ref name="bbc 29sep" /><ref name="ap 28sep">{{Cite web |last=Gurubacharya |first=Binaj |date=28 September 2024 |title=Flooding and landslides in Nepal kill at least 66 people, with as many again still missing |url=https://apnews.com/article/nepal-kathmandu-floods-e19bcf99e5930cc0813809e8a5946769 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929035221/https://apnews.com/article/nepal-kathmandu-floods-e19bcf99e5930cc0813809e8a5946769 |archive-date=29 September 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> Thousands of residents were displaced.<ref name=":4" /> At least 37 people were killed in the city, and 56 total deaths were reported in the wider [[Kathmandu Valley]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 September 2024 |title=Nepal begins to assess damage after deadly rains, floods kill 192 |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-09-30-nepal-begins-to-assess-damage-after-deadly-rains-floods-kill-192/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001012154/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-09-30-nepal-begins-to-assess-damage-after-deadly-rains-floods-kill-192/ |archive-date=1 October 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=[[Daily Maverick]] |language=en |agency=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> Across Nepal, at least 322 houses and 16 bridges were damaged.<ref name="et 30sep">{{Cite news |date=30 September 2024 |title=Flood and landslides claim 170 lives in Nepal |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/nepal-floods-and-landslides-cause-widespread-destruction-leads-to-112-deaths/articleshow/113777890.cms?from=mdr |access-date=30 September 2024 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> Nepalese media described the rainfall as the worst that Kathmandu had suffered from in decades.<ref name="aljazeera 28sep" /><ref name="dw 29sep" /><ref name="ap 28sep" /> Casualties were also reported in the regions of [[Bhaktapur]], [[Dhading District|Dhading]], the [[Dolakha District]], and [[Makwanpur District|Makwanpur]],<ref name="bbc 29sep" /> and rescues were performed in [[Lalitpur, Nepal|Lalitpur]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Regan |first1=Helen |last2=Khanal |first2=Nishant |last3=Yee |first3=Isaac |date=30 September 2024 |title=Rescuers use zip lines and boats to reach survivors as Nepal flooding and landslides kill nearly 200 people |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/30/asia/nepal-floods-kathmandu-climate-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001012258/https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/30/asia/nepal-floods-kathmandu-climate-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=1 October 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en}}</ref> The city of [[Pokhara]] also sustained heavy flooding.<ref name=":4" />

The UN Children's Fund ([[UNICEF]]) expressed particular concern over the impact of the disaster on children, including the deaths of 35 children under the age of eighteen (as of 1 October 2024) and the potential exposure to violence and exploitation. 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-01 |title=Scores of children killed as devastating floods and landslides hit Nepal |url=https://news.un.org/en/audio/2024/10/1155216 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=UN News |publisher=[[United Nations]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mishra |first=Vibhu |date=2024-10-01 |title=Nepal: Hundreds killed as 'unprecedented' flash floods strike capital Kathmandu |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155246 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=UN News |language=en}}</ref>  

==== Transportation disturbance====
Three highways (including [[Prithvi Highway]]) and multiple roads which connected Kathmandu to eastern Nepal were also taken out by landslides which had been caused by the rain.<ref name="ap 28sep" /> At least 35 bodies were recovered on Prithvi Highway, from vehicles which had been buried under landslides.<ref name="bbc 29sep" /> Kathmandu was also cut off from transport as a result of landslides destroying highways to and from the city. In addition, 14 bodies were recovered from two buses that were travelling to Kathmandu before being struck by and buried in a landslide. Many more vehicles were found to have been buried nearby the buses.<ref name="aljazeera 28sep" /><ref name="dw 29sep" /><ref name="ap 28sep" /> In response, officials discouraged cars and banned buses from travelling at night on highways.<ref name="ap 28sep" />

Debris and damage to roads caused the obstruction of highways at twenty-eight locations.<ref name="aljazeera 28sep" /> By 30 September, officials were able to temporarily open Prithvi Highway.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 September 2024 |title=Flooding deaths in Nepal approach 200 as recovery work is stepped up |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/09/30/g-s1-25389/nepal-floods-deaths-recovery |work=[[NPR]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> By 1 October, only nine of the county's 37 highways were open for travel.<ref name=":0" /> Meanwhile BP highway is expected to open only after Dashain.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-08 |title=Four blocked highways to reopen by Sunday, BP Highway unlikely to reopened before Dashain |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/four-blocked-highways-to-reopen-by-sunday-bp-highway-unlikely-to-reopened-b...-6700cf2a76f12.html |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== Response ====

Over 3,000 security personnel from all forces, including the army, were assigned to aid rescue and recovery operations using motorboats, rafts, and helicopters.<ref name="aljazeera 28sep" /><ref name="ap 28sep" /><ref name=":4" />

On 27 September, all domestic flights departing from Kathmandu were cancelled, impacting over 150 departures.<ref name="aljazeera 28sep" /> Flights had largely resumed by 29 September.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 September 2024 |title=Nepal's monsoon floods toll reaches 170 as Kathmandu struggles to recover |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/nepals-monsoon-floods-toll-reaches-170-as-kathmandu-struggles-to-recover/articleshow/113793610.cms |access-date=30 September 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

Nepalese schools and universities were shut down for three days.<ref name="dw 29sep" />

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. More specifically, unplanned settlement, construction and urbanisation on [[floodplain]]s, a lack of areas to hold water, and growing human settlement along the [[Bagmati River]] were each noted as significant contributors to the scale of the tragedy. The centre insisted that the government invest more in its infrastructure, including flood prevention mechanisms such as underground stormwater systems.<ref name="ie 29sep" />

== See also ==

* [[May 2012 Nepal floods]]
* [[2019 Nepal floods]]
* [[2021 Nepal floods]]
* [[2020 South Asian floods]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Portal bar|Asia|Nepal|Weather|Climate change}}
{{2024 floods}}

[[Category:2024 disasters in Nepal|Floods]]
[[Category:2024 floods in Asia|Nepal]]
[[Category:21st century in Kathmandu|Floods]]
[[Category:July 2024 events in Nepal|Floods]]
[[Category:August 2024 events in Nepal|Floods]]
[[Category:September 2024 events in Nepal|Floods]]
[[Category:October 2024 events in Nepal|Floods]]
[[Category:Bagmati Province]]
[[Category:Bhaktapur]]
[[Category:Dhading District]]
[[Category:Dolakha District]]
[[Category:Floods in Nepal]]
[[Category:Lalitpur District, Nepal]]
[[Category:Pokhara]]