People ‘jump from roof to roof’ as floods kill 148 in Nepal

Catastrophic floods and landslides triggered by two days of intense rainfall have claimed the lives of at least 148 people in Nepal, with more than 100 others injured, police reported on Sunday. Torrential rains inundated the Kathmandu valley and surrounding regions, leaving over 50 people missing and forcing thousands of residents to flee to safety, some by leaping between rooftops as the floodwaters rose.

Rescue teams, including the army, police, and volunteers, have so far saved around 3,600 people using helicopters and inflatable rafts. Efforts remain ongoing as crews work to locate the missing and provide aid to those stranded by the deluge. Despite rain forecasted to continue until Tuesday, officials expressed cautious optimism, noting a slight easing in the weather conditions.

The floods have severely disrupted infrastructure in the region, damaging water pipes, telephone networks, and power lines, according to government spokesman Prithvi Subba Gurung. Over 10,000 police officers have been deployed, while the government has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and imposed a ban on nighttime driving in the affected areas.

Monsoon season, which regularly brings devastating floods and landslides to the Himalayan nation, has also impacted air travel, with domestic flights facing widespread delays and cancellations. As rescue operations continue, Nepal braces for further challenges amid the ongoing weather crisis.