Disaster Strikes During Festivals: A Recurring Tragedy
Summary
Dashain celebrations in Nepal have repeatedly been overshadowed by floods, landslides, earthquakes, and road accidents over the past several years, causing heavy loss of life, property, and transport disruption. Authorities are again warning of rising river levels and flood risk across major basins as the country faces fresh danger during the festival season.
Key Points
- Dashain in recent years has repeatedly coincided with floods, landslides, earthquakes, and deadly road accidents across Nepal.
- The 2081 BS floods caused major destruction in Kathmandu Valley, Bagmati Province, and key highways, leaving many travelers stranded and more than 200 people dead.
- For Dashain 2082 BS, the government halted long-distance vehicles in several provinces after heavy rainfall forecasts, but floods and landslides still caused deaths and major damage.
- The Flood Forecasting Branch has warned that river levels will rise again over the next five days, increasing flood risk in major basins.
