Nepal faced a deadly natural calamity on Friday as a powerful windstorm swept through several regions, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm claimed the lives of at least four individuals, injured 28 more, and caused widespread damage estimated at over NPR 1.08 billion. Authorities and citizens alike were left reeling from the intensity and unexpected nature of the event.
Lives Lost Across Multiple Districts
Tragically, four people lost their lives in different parts of the country. The victims included 14-year-old Shukna Kewat from Kapilvastu, 54-year-old Rambha Devi Dhanuk from Bara, 30-year-old Mira Bayambu, and 40-year-old Durga Bahadur Pun from Nawalparasi West. Each death represents not only a personal loss for grieving families but also a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust early warning systems in rural and semi-urban areas.
The 28 injured individuals are receiving treatment in various hospitals across affected districts. Many of them were caught unaware as high-speed winds struck suddenly, causing roofs to collapse, trees to uproot, and debris to fly through the air. In several cases, injuries resulted from falling objects or collapsing structures.
Extensive Property Damage and Communication Disruption
The physical destruction caused by the storm was widespread and severe. According to Nepal Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Ramesh Thapa, at least six homes and two animal sheds were completely damaged. In Kawasoti, a key piece of communication infrastructure the transmission tower of Nawalpur FM 104.4 MHz was toppled, silencing local radio broadcasts and disrupting community updates.
As the storm raged on, it ignited a surge of secondary emergencies: 18 fires and 59 incidents of lightning were reported across the country on the same day. Emergency services were stretched thin as they attempted to respond to overlapping crises in real time.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Relief Efforts
First responders, including local police, fire brigades, and health services, were immediately mobilized following the storm. Rapid assessments are underway to evaluate the full scale of the damage, and local governments are coordinating with national disaster management agencies to initiate relief distribution, temporary shelter setup, and infrastructure restoration.
While emergency aid is being dispatched, road access in some affected areas remains limited due to debris and fallen trees. Efforts are ongoing to restore communication lines and electricity in several localities.
Disaster Preparedness Under Scrutiny
The storm has reignited debate over Nepal’s preparedness for extreme weather events. With the nation situated in a geographically diverse region prone to landslides, floods, and storms, questions are being raised about early warning systems, building codes, and the availability of community shelters.
Experts warn that climate change is intensifying the frequency and unpredictability of such disasters. They urge investment in weather monitoring systems, public awareness campaigns, and local disaster response training as essential tools to mitigate future risks.
Path to Recovery and Long-Term Planning
As Nepal begins its recovery, officials are working not just to provide immediate relief but also to strategize long-term solutions. This includes reinforcing damaged infrastructure, evaluating the resilience of public facilities, and supporting affected families through compensation and livelihood restoration programs.
Local authorities and civil society organizations are calling for greater regional cooperation and international support in building Nepal’s disaster resilience, especially in rural areas that often bear the brunt of such storms with minimal resources.
The windstorm has served as a somber reminder of the fragility of infrastructure and the human toll of climate-driven disasters. As communities grieve and rebuild, the need for proactive, sustainable preparedness has never been clearer.