At least 51 people have died across eastern Nepal since Saturday night, as relentless rain triggered floods and landslides, officials said on Sunday. The death toll may still rise, as search operations continue.
Ilam District Suffers the Worst
The greatest losses occurred in Ilam district in Koshi Province, where 37 people died in multiple landslides over two days, according to the Armed Police Force (APF). Within Ilam, fatalities broke down as follows: eight in Deumai and eight in Maijogmai municipalities, six each in Ilam municipality and Sandakpur rural municipality, five in Suryodaya, three in Mangsebung, and one in Fakfokthum, per a statement from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
Elsewhere in Koshi, Udayapur reported two deaths, and one person died in Panchthar from rain-related damage. In Rautahat, three people died from a lightning strike. Khotang recorded two fatalities. In Panchthar, a road accident blamed on storm-damaged roads killed six more.
Rescue teams are searching for several missing persons. Four people were swept away by a swollen river in the Langtang Conservation Area in Rasuwa district. Additionally, one person remains unaccounted for in Ilam, another in Bara, and one more in Kathmandu due to flooding. Among 16 trekkers caught in the Langtang area, four remain missing, confirmed APF officials.
Rescue Operations Continue
The Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and APF have mobilized forces across affected zones. Helicopters rescued four people, including a pregnant woman, from Ilam and transported them to hospital in Dharan municipality. Local authorities have set up relief camps and evacuated residents from vulnerable villages.
Monsoon Hits Broadly, Worsening the Situation
The monsoon is active in five of Nepal’s seven provinces Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini. Parts of Kathmandu Valley also faced flooding, and multiple national highways had been blocked by landslides. On Sunday, rain eased somewhat, allowing some road clearances. The NDRRMA permitted emergency, goods, and local passenger vehicles to resume travel, though night movement remains restricted on risky routes. Domestic flights from Tribhuvan International Airport have been disrupted due to poor weather.
India Offers Support
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and offered assistance to Nepal via 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. As a friendly neighbour and first responder, India remains committed to providing any assistance that may be required.”
The Nepal government partially reopened routes to Kathmandu in response to milder weather. A red alert remains in force for areas around the Bagmati and East Rapti rivers.
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