| Date | July 2024 – present |
|---|---|
| Location | Nepal, primarily its eastern and south-eastern districts[1] |
| Cause | Urbanisation near flood plains and poor drainage infrastructure |
| Deaths | 300+ |
| Missing | 50+ |
| Property damage | Rs17 billion+ (estimated) |
Torrential rainfall during the annual monsoon season in early July, mid August, and late September 2024 caused massive flooding across Nepal as well as several 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, the result of a low-pressure system. The impact of the floods was further increased by poor infrastructure and settlement planning, including unplanned construction on 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.[2] 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 millimetres (9.4 in) and 322.2 millimetres (12.69 in) between 28 and 29 September, causing flooding in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.
In late September, the Government of Nepal reported at least 224 deaths, 158 injuries, 28 missing persons due to severe flooding, including at least 37 in Kathmandu. Around 13,300 people required rescue, while at least 1,200 houses were destroyed or damaged. Infrastructure damages included 25 bridges, 37 highways, 11 hydropower stations, and numerous telecommunication stations. Agricultural and livestock resources were also damaged. 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 landslides. The government directed police and military forces, totalling over 30,000 people,[3] to assist with rescue and clean-up work, and schools and universities were closed in impacted areas. All flights from Tribhuvan International Airport were cancelled,[failed verification] and Nepalese schools and universities closed for three days.[3][4]