Severe monsoon rains have unleashed devastation across Nepal, causing landslides and flash floods that have killed at least 47 people since Friday, according to government officials.
Authorities confirmed that 35 people lost their lives in separate landslides in Ilam district, near the border with India, while nine others remain missing after being swept away by floodwaters. An additional three people were killed by lightning strikes in other parts of the country.
“Rescue efforts for the missing persons are going on,” said Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Transportation and Infrastructure Severely Affected
The disaster has caused widespread destruction — roads and bridges washed away, highways blocked, and hundreds of travelers stranded. Authorities said domestic flights have been largely disrupted, though international flights at Kathmandu airport continue to operate normally.
In the southeastern Sunsari district, officials said the Koshi River was flowing above the danger mark. All 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage — which helps control flooding into India’s Bihar state — were opened to release excess water. Vehicular movement across the bridge has been suspended for safety reasons.
In Kathmandu, heavy rainfall caused several rivers to overflow, flooding roads and submerging homes, cutting off the capital from other regions by road.
Cross-Border Impact
Across the border in Darjeeling, India, at least seven people have been confirmed dead after landslides triggered by torrential rains buried homes.
“Seven bodies have already been recovered from the debris,” said Abhishek Roy, a district police official in Darjeeling, adding that recovery efforts for two more victims were ongoing.
Monsoon Tragedy
Landslides and flash floods are a recurring threat in the mountainous terrain of Nepal during the June–September monsoon season. Each year, hundreds of lives are lost to such disasters.
Meteorologists warned that heavy rains are expected to continue until Monday, while authorities pledged to maintain maximum vigilance and provide emergency aid to affected communities.
