Kathmandu Valley surrounding Kathmandu, Nepal experienced about 240mm (9.4 inches) of rain from Sept. 26-28, which is the highest since 2002.

Heavy monsoon rains in Nepal have caused flooding of the Bagmati River in the capital, Kathmandu. Police report 192 casualties, over 100 injuries, and approximately 40 people still missing.

“The monsoon season lasted longer this year which made things worse,” Nepali junior Navodit Bhujel said.

Rescue teams are struggling to reach the people trapped under debris. Approximately 4000 people have been rescued, and helicopter operations along with the supply of aid are in progress for the affectees.

Most major highways connecting Kathmandu to the rest of the country are damaged and blocked. The roads have been obstructed by landslides, causing the closure of schools in the region. The valley has recorded $18 million in damages.

The Lalitpur district has been severely affected as the houses and roads in the region have been destroyed. The working class communities living by the riverside are heavily strained by the floods.

Knox’s international student body includes 42 Nepalese students. Most of these students have homes and families in Kathmandu, Nepal. Some of these students clarified that their families are safe, but are still worried about difficulties with commuting and resources in the valley.

While the monsoon season in Nepal is crucial for the agriculture sector and consequently the country’s food security, unpredictable and heavy rains reduce crop production. As a result, the GDP falls and food insecurity surfaces.

Urbanization and population growth in the country have caused deforestation, which is making the areas surrounding the river more susceptible to flooding. Climate change has also made the floods worse.

“It’s difficult to see the people in my hometown suffer like this from afar just because of the way the city is planned,” Nepali senior Abhyudaya Rajbhandari said.

The Nepalese government is urging people to stay indoors and has placed a ban on driving in the valley at night.