Nepal is reeling under the impact of a relentless monsoon, as torrential rains have triggered widespread floods, landslides, and lightning strikes, killing at least 47 people across the country. The tragedy comes only weeks after a period of political unrest, compounding the nation’s distress.
According to the Chief District Officer Sunita Nepal of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said, the eastern district of Ilam has suffered the heaviest losses, where 37 deaths have been confirmed so far.
As of Sunday afternoon, authorities reported that 5 people remain missing and 16 others have been injured nationwide.
NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat said that 50 districts have been affected by the latest spell of heavy rains. In the past 6 months since mid-April, 285 people have died in various disaster-related incidents, while 27 remain missing.
The country has recorded 4,065 natural disaster incidents during this period, leaving 1,072 people injured and 7,211 families affected.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) launched a massive cleanup drive in flood-affected neighborhoods such as Balkhu, Teku, and the Bishnumati corridor following continuous rainfall since Friday.
Deputy Superintendent Min Bahadur Thapa of the City Police Force said that 100 city workers, aided by 3 JCBs, 3 jet machines, and dump trucks, were deployed to clear mud and debris in areas including Balkhu vegetable market, Teku Dobhan, and Shankhamul.
However, the saturated ground has slowed progress, and operations are expected to continue once the weather improves.
Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Koshi River system have worsened flooding in Sunsari district, submerging around 1,036 houses, mostly in Bhokraha Narsingh Rural Municipality-5, Barahakshetra Municipality-8, and Inaruwa Municipality-10.
Local authorities have relocated residents from the affected zones to temporary shelters.
Floodwaters also entered the Janodaya Basic School and Cardio Neuro Hospital in Bhokraha, prompting the Armed Police Force to use boats to transport doctors to the hospital. In a separate incident, 45-year-old Nabaraj Urau was swept away by the Dobhan stream in Barahakshetra-8, and rescue efforts are still underway.
Expressing solidarity, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to Nepal via social media platform X, mourning the loss of lives and property. He assured that India stands ready to extend support as a friendly neighbor during this challenging time.
In a welcome update, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) reported on Sunday that the low-pressure system responsible for the downpour since 4 October has now moved away from Nepal.
Although the weather has started to improve, the DHM cautioned citizens to remain alert, as the monsoon season is not officially over and risks of floods and landslides persist.
