Overview: Severe rainfall triggers deadly landslides in Nepal
Severe rainfall across parts of eastern and central Nepal has caused landslides, a powerful lightning strike, and flooding. Officials say at least 22 people have died and 12 are missing as rescue teams race to reach affected communities. The weather disruption also hampered medical evacuations and trapped residents in remote hill districts.
Affected areas: Illam district bears the brunt
Most of the fatalities occurred in Illam, a mountain district in Nepal’s eastern region. Local authorities confirmed that several villages were swept away by landslides, with at least 18 confirmed dead in the district and seven others reported missing. A further family tragedy unfolded when six members were killed after a landslide buried their home in their sleep.
Rescue and response efforts
Recovery teams faced challenging access as rains continued to hamper road travel and many routes were washed out or blocked. Nepal Police spokesman Binod Ghimire said the situation remains precarious, and helicopters from the central government were requested to assist in medical evacuations and reach remote areas. Officials reported that 114 people had been rescued so far, with more to be accounted for as operations resume when conditions improve.
Weather and infrastructure impact
The heavy downpour forced authorities to shut down major highways, suspend domestic flights, and close routes linking Kathmandu with other regions. In the capital, some river-adjacent areas experienced flooding, but officials noted there had been no major damages or casualties in Kathmandu itself.
Government actions and public advisories
In response to the severe rainfall, the government declared a national holiday through Monday to help coordinate relief and safety measures. The authorities warned residents across eastern and central Nepal to stay away from flood-prone zones and to monitor weather updates as the monsoon-saturated atmosphere continues to threaten more incidents.
Context and recent trends
The country’s monsoon season, which typically runs from June to September, is now giving way to heavy rainfall in some years. Last year’s similar incidents during this period left hundreds dead and caused widespread damage, underscoring the recurring risk that Nepal faces with extreme weather events affecting its mountainous terrain and road networks.
What comes next
As rescuers work to reach isolated villages, authorities urge residents and travelers to heed weather warnings and avoid unnecessary travel. The coming days will be critical to locating missing people, delivering relief, and restoring essential services in affected districts.
