Heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Nepal since Friday, triggering landslides and flash floods that have killed at least 47 people and left several others missing, officials confirmed on Sunday. The disaster has also destroyed infrastructure, blocked major roads, and disrupted domestic flights.
According to Kalidas Dhauboji, spokesperson for the Armed Police Force, thirty-five people died in separate landslides in Ilam district, located in eastern Nepal near the Indian border. Additionally, nine individuals were reported missing after being swept away by floods, while three others died from lightning strikes in other parts of the country.
“Rescue efforts for the missing persons are going on,” said Shanti Mahat, a spokesperson for Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Across the border, in India’s eastern hill district of Darjeeling, at least seven people were also killed due to landslides following continuous rainfall. Local police official Abhishek Roy confirmed that rescue teams had recovered seven bodies, with efforts ongoing to locate two more individuals.
Authorities in Nepal reported that several highways were either blocked by debris or washed away, stranding hundreds of passengers. Rinji Sherpa, spokesperson for Kathmandu airport, said domestic flights were “largely disrupted,” though international flights remained operational.
In the southeastern Sunsari district, the Koshi River rose above the danger mark, prompting officials to open all 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage to release excess water. Vehicular movement across the bridge was subsequently banned for safety reasons.
In Kathmandu, rising river levels have flooded roads and submerged houses, cutting off the capital from several regions.
Landslides and flash floods are a recurring threat during Nepal’s monsoon season, which typically runs from mid-June to mid-September. Weather officials have warned that heavy rainfall is expected to continue until Monday, as authorities intensify rescue operations and provide relief to affected communities.
