Heavy rainfall has precipitated a crisis in Nepal over the past 36 hours, resulting in landslides and flash floods that tragically claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals. Authorities report eight people missing, feared either swept away by floodwaters or buried under landslide debris, while another 12 have sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment in hospitals, according to Dan Bahadur Karki, a police spokesperson.

Emergency response efforts are actively underway, with rescue teams working diligently to clear blocked roads and debris using heavy machinery, as confirmed by Karki in statements to Reuters.

In southeastern Nepal, the situation remains precarious as the Koshi River, notorious for its annual floods in neighboring Bihar, India, has surged beyond its critical level. Bed Raj Phuyal, a senior official in Sunsari district along the Koshi, has warned residents to remain vigilant as water levels continue to rise. By 9 a.m. local time, the Koshi River recorded a flow of 369,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs), more than double its typical rate of 150,000 cusecs.

Authorities have responded by fully opening all 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage, a crucial structure for managing river flow, in contrast to the usual 10-12 gates during normal conditions. Additionally, the Narayani, Rapti, and Mahakali rivers in western Nepal are experiencing heightened water levels, compounding flood risks across multiple regions.

In Kathmandu, the capital city nestled amid hills, several rivers have breached their banks, resulting in flooded streets and submerged residences. Media coverage has captured scenes of locals navigating waist-deep waters or using buckets to evacuate flooded homes, underscoring the widespread impact of the deluge.

Since the commencement of the monsoon season in mid-June, Nepal has witnessed a distressing toll with at least 50 fatalities attributed to landslides, floods, and lightning strikes. These recurring natural disasters pose perennial challenges during the monsoon period, which spans from mid-June to mid-September, particularly affecting Nepal's mountainous terrain.

Across the border in northeastern India's Assam state, severe floods have inflicted significant devastation, claiming numerous lives and displacing thousands of residents in recent days. The concurrent crises in Nepal and India underscore the regional magnitude and humanitarian urgency amid the ongoing monsoon calamities.