HistoryData
general2024

2024 floods in Nepal

January 1, 2024

The 2024 Nepal monsoon floods, driven by record rainfall since 1970, killed at least 224 people and displaced thousands across Kathmandu and surrounding districts.

Quick Facts

Year
2024
Category
general

Key Facts

Deaths reported
At least 224
Injuries
158
Missing persons
28
People requiring rescue
Around 13,300
Houses destroyed or damaged
At least 1,200
Rescue/clean-up personnel deployed
Over 30,000

By the Numbers

224
Deaths reported
158
Injuries
28
Missing persons
13,300
People requiring rescue

Location

Map of Kathmandu, NepalMap of Kathmandu, NepalKathmandu, Nepal

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

Torrential monsoon rainfall in early July, mid-August, and late September 2024 struck Nepal, with the late September event producing the heaviest rainfall in the region since at least 1970, driven by a low-pressure system. Poor infrastructure and unplanned construction on floodplains amplified the disaster's impact.

Event

Beginning on 26 September 2024, severe flooding inundated eastern Nepal, Bagmati Province, and the Kathmandu Valley, which received up to 322 millimetres of rain in two days. The Bagmati, Nakkhu, and Kosi rivers reached dangerous levels, triggering widespread flooding and mudslides across Nepal and into parts of India and Bangladesh.

Consequence

At least 224 people died, 158 were injured, and 28 remained missing. Over 1,200 homes were damaged or destroyed, 25 bridges and 37 highways were damaged, and 11 hydropower stations were affected. Tribhuvan International Airport was shut, schools and universities closed for three days, and more than 30,000 security personnel were deployed for rescue operations.

Timeline Context

Timeline around 20242024202120222023202520262027Demonstrations following the October 2024 parliamentary electionsNatural disaster in KenyaMilitary engagement during the Russian invasion of Ukraine2024 HTS-led military operation of the Syrian civil warBattle in the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 20242024 Israel-Hezbollah engagementNatural disaster during the 2023-4 Sudanese civil warIsrael-Hezbollah engagement2024-nepal-floods-2024