Nepal faced deadly climate disasters in 2024-2025 calendar

April 9, Kathmandu: In the year 2024 and the first few months of 2025, Nepal endured a string of catastrophic climate-related events that left the nation in mourning. In June last year, a massive landslide with debris swept away two passenger buses along the Narayangadh-Muglin road near Simtal, claiming 59 of the 62 passengers onboard, with just three survivors.

The buses plunged into the Trishuli River, and 35 people remain missing despite the recovery of 24 bodies. Another disaster struck Thame, Solukhumbu, where a sudden flood transformed the vibrant market into a wasteland.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology attributed it to persistent rain and rising temperatures, calling for further research into glacial lake threats.

Later, relentless rainfall inundated areas including Kathmandu Valley in October, killing 250, leaving 18 missing, and damaging nearly 6,000 homes.

Infrastructure losses, including roads and bridges from this destruction, are pegged at Rs 2.88 billion. Climate experts, including Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal from the Climate Change Division, labeled it a stark reminder to bolster adaptation and early warning systems. Record-breaking rains in Sudurpaschim last monsoon season, exceeding 624 mm in a day, highlighted the growing climate crisis, pressing for urgent action in 2025-2026.