Heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in eastern Nepal, triggering floods and landslides that have claimed the lives of at least 52 people. The Armed Police Force (APF) and disaster response teams are actively engaged in rescue operations, while authorities continue to impose travel restrictions and issue warnings in the affected regions. The monsoon remains active in multiple provinces, disrupting daily life, transportation, and essential services.
The situation in Nepal has highlighted the severe impact of seasonal downpours in vulnerable regions, particularly in hilly and riverine areas. Authorities are on high alert, and residents are being urged to follow official advisories to minimize casualties. Nepal’s government, alongside the Armed Police Force and Nepal Army, is coordinating relief efforts, including airlifting survivors and clearing obstructed roads to maintain connectivity and facilitate emergency response.
The death toll has risen to 52, according to APF spokesperson Kalidas Dhaubaji. Ilam district in Koshi province has been the hardest hit, reporting 37 fatalities across municipalities including Deumai, Maijogmai, and Ilam municipality itself. Other affected districts include Udayapur, with two deaths, Panchathar with six fatalities due to road accidents, Khotang with two deaths, and Rautahat, where three people died due to lightning strikes caused by the ongoing rains.
Several individuals remain missing, including four people swept away by swollen rivers in the Langtang Conservation Area in Rasuwa district. Another trekking group of 16 members in Langtang has four unaccounted for due to the extreme weather conditions. Additional missing persons have been reported in Ilam, Bara, and Kathmandu districts, emphasizing the challenges faced by rescue teams in accessing remote and flood-affected areas.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the Nepal Army, Police, and Armed Police Force working together to reach stranded individuals. Four survivors in Ilam district were airlifted to hospitals for medical care, while other teams continue to navigate blocked roads and landslide-prone areas. The rescue operation has been hampered in some locations due to heavy rainfall and difficult terrain, but authorities remain committed to saving as many lives as possible.
The monsoon continues to affect five provinces: Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini, worsening flood and landslide conditions. In Kathmandu, vehicle movement was temporarily restricted for safety, though some travel has resumed after road clearances and improving weather. Domestic flights at Tribhuvan International Airport have been suspended until conditions stabilize, affecting both passenger travel and logistics.
Authorities have issued red alerts for flood-prone areas, particularly along the Bagmati and East Rapti rivers. Residents are advised to avoid traveling on unsafe roads, stay indoors where possible, and remain vigilant for further warnings from local authorities. Emergency teams continue to monitor weather patterns closely to ensure timely action.
International support has also been extended. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims and pledged support, emphasizing that India is ready to assist Nepal during this crisis. Relief and rescue operations are expected to intensify as the monsoon progresses, with authorities prepared for potential additional flooding and landslides in the coming days.
The floods and landslides in Nepal highlight the vulnerability of hilly and riverine areas during the monsoon season. With infrastructure often susceptible to rainfall-induced damage, the impact on daily life is significant. Roads are frequently blocked, power and communication lines disrupted, and access to remote communities limited. This makes coordinated rescue efforts, including airlifting and mobilizing emergency personnel, crucial in minimizing loss of life.
Authorities continue to stress community preparedness, urging residents to stay alert to weather updates and follow instructions from disaster management agencies. Families in flood-prone regions have been advised to move to safer areas and secure essential supplies, while emergency response teams remain on standby for rapid deployment in case of further incidents.
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In addition to immediate relief, the monsoon crisis underscores the need for long-term mitigation measures in Nepal. Strengthening river embankments, improving early warning systems, and enhancing infrastructure resilience are vital to reducing the impact of future floods and landslides. As the country copes with the current devastation, ongoing rescue operations and humanitarian aid remain critical in supporting affected communities.
In summary, heavy monsoon rains in eastern Nepal have resulted in at least 52 deaths, multiple missing persons, and widespread disruption across provinces. Ilam district has suffered the most, with extensive loss of life, while other districts report fatalities and missing individuals due to floods, landslides, and rain-related accidents. Rescue operations continue under challenging conditions, supported by Nepal Army, Police, and Armed Police Force teams. Red alerts remain in effect, travel restrictions are enforced, and domestic flights have been suspended. International support, including from India, has been offered to assist with relief efforts. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, follow official instructions, and prioritize safety as the monsoon continues to affect the region.
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