Nepal Faces Monsoon Tragedy: Floods and Landslides Kill 47, Bringing Six-Month Disaster Toll to 285

Nepal is grappling with a severe natural disaster as relentless rainfall, floods, landslides, and lightning have killed at least 47 people nationwide, with the devastation coming just weeks after a deadly period of civil unrest. The death toll from the monsoon system has been confirmed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The eastern district of Ilam has been particularly devastated, with Chief District Officer Sunita Nepal confirming that the death toll in Ilam alone has reached 37. As of Sunday afternoon, the NDRRMA reported that five people are currently missing nationwide and 16 others have been injured.

NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat stated that 50 districts have been affected by the recent weather system. The latest figures update the overall disaster toll within six months since mid-April: at least 285 people have died in various disaster-related incidents since then, and another 27 have been reported missing. In total, 4,065 disaster-related events have occurred, injuring 1,072 people and affecting 7,211 families within six months.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has initiated cleanup operations in areas affected by flooding from Friday’s incessant rain, including Balkhu, Teku, and the Bishnumati corridor. Deputy Superintendent Min Bahadur Thapa of the City Police Force said that 100 workers, three JCBs, three jet machines, and dumpers are engaged in clearing mud and debris. Work was carried out in areas like Balkhu vegetable market, Teku Dobhan, and Shankhamul, although highly saturated mud stalled operations in some spots. These efforts are planned to resume once the sun comes out.

Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Koshi River system have increased the risk of floods and landslides in Sunsari district. The District Police Office reported that approximately 1,036 houses have been inundated by floodwaters, primarily affecting settlements in Bhokraha Narsingh Rural Municipality-5, Barahakshetra Municipality-8, and Inaruwa Municipality-10. Most residents of the submerged houses have been temporarily relocated to safer locations.

In Sunsari, the Janodaya Basic School and the Cardio Neuro Hospital in Bhokraha were also impacted. Armed Police Force personnel used boats to ferry doctors to the hospital premises. A 45-year-old man, Nabaraj Urau, was swept away by the Dobhan stream in Barahakshetra-8, and search efforts are ongoing.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of life and property in Nepal due to the heavy rains. Via the social media platform X, he offered condolences and committed to providing any necessary assistance as a friendly neighbor during this difficult time.

In a positive development, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) announced Sunday afternoon that the low-pressure weather system responsible for the heavy rainfall since October 4 has now moved out of the country. While the weather has improved and the monsoon system has weakened, the DHM urged the public to remain vigilant against monsoon-related hazards, as the monsoon season has not officially ended.