17th August 2025, Kathmandu
A recent report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) paints a grim picture of the country’s vulnerability to a wide array of natural and man-made disasters.
Nepal’s Rising Disaster Incidents
Since mid-April, Nepal has recorded an alarming 2,853 disaster-related incidents, a period coinciding with the onset of the monsoon season. These calamities have resulted in a significant human toll, with 126 people losing their lives and 585 individuals sustaining injuries.
The data, which covers the period from mid-April to mid-August, highlights the widespread impact of these events, affecting 5,041 families and leaving 23 individuals still missing. The figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness, response, and risk mitigation strategies across the country.
A Diverse Range of Hazards
The report reveals a concerning diversity in the types of disasters plaguing Nepal. While landslides and floods often dominate the headlines during the monsoon, the statistics show a much broader risk landscape. Among the reported incidents, the most frequent were:
- Fire Incidents: A staggering 1,114 cases, the highest number recorded for any single type of disaster. This category includes both structural fires and the subsequent 158 wildfires, which contribute to significant property damage and environmental harm.
- Landslides: A total of 317 landslides and an additional 46 “other landslides” were reported, a common and deadly hazard in Nepal’s rugged, hilly terrain.
- Flooding and Heavy Rainfall: With the monsoon in full swing, there were 216 cases of flooding and 221 instances of heavy rainfall, both of which often trigger landslides and cause widespread destruction to infrastructure and homes.
- Lightning Strikes: A surprisingly high number of 245 lightning strikes were recorded, a major cause of fatalities and injuries in the country, particularly in rural and agricultural areas.
- Other Hazards: The report also details numerous other incidents, including 277 windstorms, 172 animal attacks, and 77 snakebite cases, which are often underreported but contribute significantly to the overall casualties. The country also experienced five earthquakes, two boat capsizings, and a hailstorm, among other events.
A Glimpse into a Single Day: August 16
The National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) provided a snapshot of a single day’s events, highlighting the relentless nature of these disasters. On August 16 alone, the center recorded 23 incidents, including seven fire incidents, one flood, eight landslides, four instances of continuous rain, and three animal attacks. This single day’s toll included one death and an estimated Rs 3.84 million in property damage.
This daily data serves as a stark reminder of the continuous challenges faced by rescue and relief agencies. In response to the incidents on August 16, a total of 140 police personnel were deployed to carry out critical search, rescue, and relief operations in the affected areas.
The Human and Economic Cost
Beyond the raw numbers, the human and economic costs are immense. With 126 deaths and 585 people injured, families are left grieving and communities are burdened with the long-term impacts of physical and psychological trauma.
The figure of 5,041 families affected signifies thousands of individuals who have lost their homes, livelihoods, or both. The 23 missing individuals represent an ongoing source of uncertainty and pain for their loved ones.
The sheer volume and diversity of these incidents demonstrate Nepal’s multi-hazard vulnerability. The data from the NDRRMA and NEOC provides crucial insights for policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and the general public. It emphasizes the need for a holistic and proactive approach to disaster management, one that goes beyond immediate response and focuses on long-term risk reduction, early warning systems, and community-level preparedness.
As the monsoon season continues, the hope is that these statistics will serve as a catalyst for more resilient infrastructure, better public awareness, and a coordinated national effort to protect the lives and livelihoods of all citizens.
For more: Nepal’s Rising Disaster Incidents