Disasters claim 86 lives across Nepal in less than two months

KATHMANDU: At least 86 people have lost their lives in disaster-related incidents across Nepal between April 14 and June 5 of the current fiscal year 2083, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

The authority reported that 1,849 disaster incidents were recorded nationwide during the period, leaving 472 people injured and affecting a total of 2,448 families.

According to the data, altitude sickness and fire incidents accounted for the highest number of deaths.

A total of 45 altitude sickness incidents were reported during the review period, resulting in 18 deaths and 28 injuries, while affecting 44 families.

Fire incidents were the most frequent disasters, with 636 cases recorded across the country. The incidents claimed 15 lives, injured 78 people, and directly affected 688 families.

Lightning, windstorms and snakebites on the rise

The authority’s statistics show that lightning strikes and windstorms caused significant damage with the onset of the pre-monsoon season.

A total of 148 lightning incidents resulted in 14 deaths and 84 injuries, while 400 windstorm incidents claimed 13 lives, injured 59 people, and affected 1,149 families.

Meanwhile, 175 snakebite incidents were reported in the Tarai and hill regions, killing nine people and injuring 166 others.

Other disaster-related fatalities

The authority said seven people died in attacks by wild animals, while floods and landslides claimed six lives during the reporting period.

In addition, two people died in boat capsize incidents, one person died in a forest fire, and another lost their life in an avalanche.

With the monsoon season becoming increasingly active, government agencies and disaster management authorities have warned that the risks of floods, landslides, and other natural disasters are likely to rise in the coming weeks.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and follow official updates and advisories issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority through its official communication channels.