Heavy Rains Trigger Floods and Landslides, Claiming 51 Lives in Nepal

At least 51 people have lost their lives in eastern Nepal following torrential rains that triggered severe floods and landslides. The fatalities have been primarily reported in the Ilam district of Koshi province, where heavy rainfall has caused multiple landslides over the weekend. According to officials from the Armed Police Force (APF), the situation escalated dramatically from Saturday night, resulting in significant human and property losses.

The most severe impact was felt in Ilam, where 37 individuals died due to landslides. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that among the deceased, eight were from Deumai and Maijogmai municipalities, six from both Ilam municipality and Sandakpur rural municipality, five from Suryodaya municipality, three from Mangsebung, and one from Fakfokthum village. Beyond Ilam, two fatalities occurred in Udayapur and one in Panchthar due to similar weather conditions. Additionally, three people died from a lightning strike in Rautahat, and two fatalities were recorded in Khotang.

Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams searching for several missing individuals. Reports indicate that at least four people were swept away by a swollen river in the Langtang Conservation Area of Rasuwa district. Furthermore, one person remains unaccounted for in Ilam, while others are missing in Bara and Kathmandu due to flooding. The APF confirmed that four trekkers are still missing in the Langtang area, raising concerns over their safety.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate and take necessary precautions, as predictions indicate that heavy rains will persist in the region over the coming days. The incessant rain has already caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads, homes, and farmland.

The ongoing rescue and relief operations involve personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and the APF. Notably, security forces successfully rescued a pregnant woman and three others from Ilam, transporting them to a hospital in Dharan municipality via helicopter.

The monsoon season has become particularly active, affecting five of Nepal’s seven provinces, specifically Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini. In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with Nepal, stating on social media, “The loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rains in Nepal is distressing. We stand with the people and Government of Nepal in this difficult time.” Modi assured that India remains ready to provide any assistance required.

As local authorities work to manage the situation, some restrictions on vehicle movement in and out of Kathmandu have been lifted due to improved weather conditions. On Sunday, the Kathmandu Valley experienced less rainfall compared to the previous days, enabling the removal of road blockages caused by landslides on some national highways. The NDRRMA announced that vehicles for emergency services and goods transport would be allowed to operate, although movement at night remains restricted on hazardous roads.

On Saturday, authorities had imposed restrictions on vehicle entry and exit from Kathmandu, anticipating continued rainfall and potential landslides. A red alert was issued in areas surrounding the Bagmati and East Rapti rivers. Domestic flights from Tribhuvan International Airport have also been suspended due to adverse weather conditions, affecting operations across various cities, including Kathmandu, Bharatpur, and Pokhara.

As the situation continues to develop, rescue and recovery efforts remain a priority for local authorities, who are working tirelessly to assist affected communities.