Nepal Floods and Landslides: Heavy Rains Claim 51 Lives, Many Still Missing

Deadly Rains Ravage Nepal and Northeast India

Persistent heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Nepal and parts of northeastern India. As of October 5, 2025, continuous downpours and landslides in Nepal have claimed at least 51 lives, while Darjeeling in West Bengal reported 7 fatalities due to landslides and a collapsed bridge.

Nepal’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the disaster, stating on X (Twitter), “The loss of lives and property due to heavy rainfall in Nepal is deeply saddening. India stands with the people and government of Nepal during this difficult time.”

Areas Worst Hit in Nepal

The National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported:

• Ilam District (Koshi Province): 37 deaths from multiple landslides in two days

• Deumai & Mezhogmai Municipalities: 8 deaths each

• Ilam Municipality & Sandakpur Rural Municipality: 6 deaths each

• Suryodaya Municipality: 5 deaths

• Mangsebung: 3 deaths

• Fakphokthum Village: 1 death

Other affected areas include:

• Udayapur: 2 deaths

• Panchthar: 1 death due to flooding/landslide, 6 deaths from road damage caused by rain

• Rautahat: 3 deaths from lightning strikes

• Khotang: 2 deaths

Additionally, Langtang Conservation Area (Rasuwa District) reported 4 missing among 16 stranded trekkers. Floods and landslides in Ilam, Bara, and Kathmandu have left more people unaccounted for.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

Authorities are actively engaged in rescue operations:

• Nepal Army, Police, and Armed Police Force (APF) are conducting relief and evacuation efforts

• Helicopters rescued 4 people from Ilam District, including a pregnant woman, who were taken to Dharan Municipality hospital

• Citizens in high-risk areas are urged to evacuate homes and stay alert

The Department of Meteorology warned of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days, with potential risks to roads, homes, and farmland. India has offered assistance to Nepal, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed that India is committed to providing all possible support.

This disaster underscores the vulnerability of monsoon-affected regions in Nepal and northeastern India, emphasizing the urgent need for preparedness, rapid response, and cross-border cooperation during natural calamities.