At least 47 people have been killed in Nepal as landslides and flash floods wreak havoc across the Himalayan nation. The relentless monsoon rains have destroyed roads, washed away bridges, and left thousands stranded as rescue efforts struggle against worsening weather.
Heavy Rains Unleash Widespread Destruction
Days of torrential rainfall have battered eastern and central Nepal. The Ilam district, bordering India, has suffered the greatest loss, with 35 people killed in multiple landslides. Armed Police Force spokesperson Kalidas Dhauboji confirmed the devastation, adding that rescue teams continue to search for nine people swept away by rising floodwaters.
Three more people died in lightning strikes in separate regions, highlighting the scale of the unfolding crisis. According to Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, teams are battling severe conditions to locate missing residents and deliver relief.
Government Declares Nationwide Holidays
In an unusual move, Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs declared Monday and Tuesday public holidays nationwide. The decision excludes emergency and rescue services, allowing them to focus entirely on disaster response.
Government spokesperson Rameshwar Dangal said the move was necessary due to forecasts of continued heavy rainfall. The authorities urged citizens to stay alert and avoid travel in high-risk areas.
Red Alerts Across Major Provinces
Meteorological authorities have issued red alerts for more than a dozen districts. Kamal Ram Joshi, chief of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, warned residents near rivers and streams to evacuate immediately.
The warnings cover several provinces, including Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Madhesh. Even the capital, Kathmandu, faces significant flooding threats, with the Bagmati River overflowing into nearby residential areas.
Roads and Flights Severely Disrupted
Transport across the country has been paralyzed. Landslides have blocked all major routes leading into Kathmandu. The Araniko Highway, which connects Nepal to China’s border, has collapsed in several sections. Similarly, the BP Highway in the east is buried under debris, cutting off critical supply lines.
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Rinji Sherpa, spokesperson for Kathmandu’s international airport, said poor visibility forced the suspension of all domestic flights. However, international operations continue, though with delays and cancellations. “Domestic flights are largely disrupted, but international flights are operating normally,” Sherpa said.
Dashain Returns Turn Tragic
The disaster struck just as Nepalese families were returning home from the Dashain festival, the country’s most important annual celebration. Millions had traveled to their native villages to spend the holiday with loved ones. As they made their way back, the downpour intensified, stranding thousands on blocked roads and flooded routes.
The timing has made rescue operations even more difficult, as transport networks are overwhelmed by travelers and damaged infrastructure.
Rising Danger at Koshi River
Of growing concern is the Koshi River, one of Nepal’s largest waterways. Its water level has surged to more than twice the normal volume, forcing authorities to open all 56 sluice gates at the Koshi Barrage — a drastic measure compared to the usual 10 or 12.
Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, a local official in southeastern Nepal, said restrictions on heavy vehicles crossing the Koshi bridge are being considered due to structural risks. “We have opened all gates to release excess water, but the situation remains critical,” he warned.
The Koshi River frequently causes flooding in India’s Bihar state during the monsoon season. With water levels still rising, authorities fear the disaster could extend beyond Nepal’s borders.
Eastern India Also Hit
The neighboring Indian region of Darjeeling, in West Bengal, is also facing deadly consequences from the same weather system. Local officials reported at least seven deaths caused by landslides after days of rain.
“Seven bodies have already been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to find two more missing persons,” said Abhishek Roy, a Darjeeling district police official.
A Nation Accustomed to Monsoon Tragedy
Nepal’s rugged terrain makes it highly vulnerable to natural disasters during the monsoon season, which typically runs from June to mid-September. Each year, hundreds of people die as rain-soaked hillsides collapse and rivers overflow.
This year’s destruction, however, has come unusually late in the season, suggesting that climate patterns are shifting toward more unpredictable and prolonged rainfall. Experts have long warned that the country’s fragile infrastructure and growing settlements in flood-prone areas make such events even deadlier.
Calls for Stronger Preparedness
Officials and humanitarian groups are calling for improved early warning systems and better land-use planning to prevent future disasters. Emergency shelters have been set up across the hardest-hit districts, but access remains limited due to damaged roads.
As rescue teams race against time, weather authorities warn that heavy rains are likely to persist through Monday morning. The focus now turns to ensuring that stranded families receive aid, and that critical roads are reopened before the situation worsens further.
Nepal’s ongoing crisis highlights once again how vulnerable mountain nations remain to the growing threat of extreme weather events — and how urgent it is to strengthen disaster resilience before the next storm hits.
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