Kathmandu, 29 September (H.S.): Nepal recorded 542 disaster incidents across the country between September 24 and 27 following heavy rainfall, leaving at least 27 people dead and four others missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Eight people were injured and 1,082 families were affected. A total of 114 livestock also died during the period.

According to the authority’s data, 304 landslide incidents claimed 20 lives, left four people missing and injured seven others. Meanwhile, four people were killed in 87 flood-related incidents. Three people died and one person was injured in 151 incidents attributed to heavy rainfall.

Continuous rain and flooding completely destroyed 227 houses, while another 142 houses sustained partial damage. In addition, 31 bridges were damaged by floods and landslides, disrupting transportation and hampering relief and rescue operations in several areas.

According to the authority, more than 100 millimetres of rainfall was recorded at 186 rain-measuring stations across the country during the four-day period. Deudhagaun in East Nawalparasi recorded the highest rainfall at 544.2 millimetres, followed by Panchase in Kaski with 500.2 millimetres and Atraulitaar in Tanahun with 472 millimetres.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said heavy rainfall occurred in various parts of Nepal under the influence of a low-pressure system that had formed over the Bay of Bengal. The resulting floods and landslides affected normal life in several areas.

In view of the heightened disaster risk, the authorities sent flood-warning SMS alerts to around 980,000 people. Approximately 2,000 people from vulnerable areas were evacuated to safer locations. Helicopters were also deployed to rescue people stranded in remote districts because of floods and landslides.

Aerial relief and rescue operations were conducted in several districts, including Myagdi, Jajarkot and Baglung. Authorities continued to monitor the situation in the affected areas while relief and rescue operations remained underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar