Deadly Landslides and Flash Floods Ravage Nepal, Killing 47, Paralyzing Transport Links

At least 47 people have been killed and several others are missing after torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods across eastern and central Nepal, devastating communities and cutting off key transport routes, authorities said on Sunday.

Most of the deaths occurred in Ilam district, near the Indian border, where 35 people were buried in separate landslides, according to Armed Police Force spokesperson Kalidas Dhauboji.

Nine people remain missing after being swept away by floodwaters, while lightning strikes in other regions killed three more people, he added.

“Rescue efforts for the missing persons are going on,” said Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

Nationwide emergency and red alerts

The Ministry of Home Affairs declared public holidays on Monday and Tuesday, freeing up government staff for relief efforts. Only emergency and disaster response services remain operational.

Government spokesperson Rameshwar Dangal said the measure was prompted by forecasts of further heavy rainfall. Meteorological authorities have placed over a dozen districts on red alert, warning residents near rivers to evacuate immediately.

According to The Kathmandu Post, the alert includes major population centres such as parts of Kathmandu, as well as Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Madhesh provinces, expected to face the heaviest downpours through Monday morning.

Roads washed away, flights grounded

Transport links have been severely damaged. Landslides have cut all major highways into Kathmandu, with the Araniko Highway to China’s border and the BP Highway to eastern Nepal both buried under debris.

Aviation authorities suspended domestic flights on Saturday due to near-zero visibility, while international flights continue with limited disruptions.

“Domestic flights are largely disrupted, but international flights are operating normally,” said Rinji Sherpa, spokesperson for Kathmandu airport.

Flooded rivers and rising fears

Of particular concern is the Koshi River in southeastern Nepal, where water levels have surged to twice their normal flow.
Local official Dharmendra Kumar Mishra confirmed that all 56 sluice gates at the Koshi Barrage have been opened to release pressure, a rare emergency measure.

Authorities are considering banning heavy vehicles from crossing the bridge due to safety risks. The Koshi River often causes severe flooding in India’s Bihar state during the monsoon, raising cross-border concerns.

Disaster hits during Dashain festival return

The timing has worsened the crisis, striking as hundreds of thousands of Nepalis travel back from their villages after Dashain, the country’s most important religious festival. The mass return has left many stranded across washed-out roads and flooded valleys.

Regional impact

In neighbouring India, seven people were killed in landslides in the hill region of Darjeeling, West Bengal, after heavy rainfall.

“Seven dead bodies have already been recovered from the debris,” said police official Abhishek Roy. “We have information about two more people.”