At least 47 people have died as Nepal floods triggered landslides and flash floods across the country. Rescue teams are struggling to reach remote areas as heavy rains continue and more than a dozen districts remain on red alert.
Heavy rains have caused deadly landslides and flash floods across Nepal. At least 47 people have died and several remain missing. The worst hit area is Ilam district near the Indian border where 35 people were killed in separate landslides. Nine others were swept away by floods and three died in lightning strikes in other regions.
Rescue teams are struggling to reach affected areas due to blocked roads and washed away bridges. The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays to help with emergency operations. Meteorological authorities placed more than a dozen districts on red alert and warned residents near rivers to evacuate.
Transport routes have been severely damaged. The Araniko Highway linking Kathmandu to China and the BP Highway connecting the east remain closed. Domestic flights were suspended due to poor visibility but international flights continue with delays.
Authorities are closely monitoring the Koshi River which has risen to dangerous levels. All 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage have been opened to prevent overflow. Officials fear more flooding if rain continues.
The disaster comes as Nepalese citizens return home after Dashain festival. In neighboring India at least seven people died in Darjeeling after heavy rainfall triggered landslides. Landslides and flash floods are common during Nepal’s monsoon season which runs from mid June to mid September.
