Heavy Rains and Landslides Kill at Least 22 in Nepal, Rescue Operations Underway
October 5, 2025
KATHMANDU: Continuous heavy rainfall over the past two days has triggered landslides and flash floods across Nepal, leaving at least 22 people dead and several others missing, according to local authorities.
Police spokesperson Binod Ghimire said that 18 people lost their lives in separate landslides in the Ilam district, located near Nepal’s eastern border with India. Additionally, three people were killed by lightning strikes in southern Nepal, while one person died in flooding in the eastern Udayapur district.
Authorities reported that at least 11 people are missing after being swept away by rising waters.
“Rescue operations are ongoing in the affected regions,” said Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
Flooding Disrupts Travel and Communication
Heavy rainfall has caused widespread damage to roads and bridges, leaving several major highways blocked and hundreds of passengers stranded. Officials also confirmed that domestic flights have been disrupted, while international air services from Kathmandu continue to operate as normal.
“Domestic flights are largely affected, but international flights are operating normally,” said Rinji Sherpa, spokesperson for Kathmandu Airport.
Rivers Flowing Above Danger Level
In southeastern Nepal, the Koshi River — known for causing devastating floods in both Nepal and India — is currently flowing above the danger mark.
According to Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, district governor of Sunsari, water levels are more than twice the normal flow, prompting authorities to open all 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage to release excess water.
“We have opened all gates to ease the pressure and are considering restricting heavy vehicles on the bridge for safety,” Mishra said.
Capital City Affected by Flooding
In Kathmandu, heavy rains have caused several rivers to overflow, inundating homes and roads. The temple-studded capital has been temporarily cut off by road from other parts of the country.
Local residents have been advised to remain cautious and avoid low-lying areas. Emergency teams are working to clear debris and restore road access.
Monsoon Season Risks
Landslides and flash floods are common during Nepal’s annual monsoon season, which typically runs from mid-June to mid-September. Each year, hundreds of people lose their lives in rain-related incidents across the mountainous nation.
Weather officials have warned that rainfall is expected to continue until Monday, and local authorities have urged residents to take maximum precautions and cooperate with ongoing rescue efforts.
“We are taking all possible measures to protect lives and assist those affected,” the NDRRMA spokesperson added.
Summary:
Heavy monsoon rains in Nepal have caused deadly landslides and flash floods, claiming at least 22 lives and leaving several people missing. Rescue operations continue as authorities work to reopen blocked highways and manage dangerously high river levels.
