World News: Severe flooding and landslides, brought on by torrential rains over the weekend, have claimed the lives of at least 200 people in Nepal. Rescue operations were in full force on Monday, with the Nepalese Home Ministry confirming that 209 individuals had perished, and 29 were still missing.Rishi Ram Tiwari, a spokesperson for the Home Ministry, stated, “We intensified aerial rescue for people who are sick or still need to be brought to safety.” Most of the fatalities occurred in Kathmandu, where large sections of the city were submerged. A deadly landslide 16 kilometers from the capital buried several vehicles on a blocked highway, killing dozens who were asleep at the time.Rescue operations and government responseDespite the widespread damage, workers managed to temporarily clear the Prithvi Highway, a crucial route for relief efforts. Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, upon returning from the UN General Assembly, called an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced families, and financial aid has been announced for those affected by the disaster.As the weather improved, rescue and recovery efforts gained momentum. Some residents in southern Kathmandu have begun cleaning their homes as floodwaters started to recede. Meanwhile, schools and colleges across the country will remain closed for three days.Climate change and unplanned urban development worsen impactNepals weather bureau reported record-breaking rainfall, with Kathmandu recording 240 millimeters in 24 hours—the highest since 2002. Climate expert Arun Bhakta Shrestha from ICIMOD emphasized, “This kind of rainfall is abnormal. It is an extreme event, and climate change likely played a role.” He also noted that unplanned urban development further exacerbated the disasters impact.
