Monsoon Rains Trigger Floods, Landslides, and Transport Disruptions Across Nepal

Nepal is grappling with severe monsoon-induced disasters as relentless rainfall has caused rivers to swell, landslides to block major highways, and communities to face imminent flood threats. The situation has prompted authorities to issue multiple warnings, suspend public transport, and declare a two-day public holiday.

The Koshi Barrage, a critical flood control structure spanning the Saptakoshi River between Saptari and Sunsari districts, saw all 56 of its sluice gates opened early Sunday morning after the river’s water level rose above the danger mark. At 8 AM, officials had opened 50 gates when the river’s flow reached 330,060 cubic metres per second, surging to 335,360 cubic metres per second within fifteen minutes. Sunsari Chief District Officer Dharmendra Kumar Mishra confirmed that the red warning lights had been activated and red flags hoisted to alert residents and travelers along the riverbanks. Authorities have urged communities in low-lying areas of Sunsari and Udayapur districts to remain on high alert as flood risks continue to escalate.

In the Kathmandu Valley, rivers including the Bagmati and Bishnumati have also swollen significantly. Continuous rainfall since Friday has inundated settlements along the rivers, including the Balkhu vegetable market, where vendors were seen cleaning up mud and debris left behind by overnight floods. Meteorologists predict that light to moderate rain may continue in the valley throughout Sunday, while eastern Nepal is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Monsoon-related disasters have claimed at least 19 lives and left eight others missing since Friday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Ilam district was particularly hard-hit, with 14 deaths from landslides and four individuals reported missing. Other casualties include three people struck by lightning in Rautahat, and one each drowned in Khotang and Udayapur. In addition, 11 individuals have been injured across various districts, with injuries largely caused by landslides and lightning strikes. The Nepali Army has conducted medevac operations, including transporting a critically injured new mother and another person from a landslide site in Ilam to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan.

Transport networks have been severely affected. Authorities suspended traffic along the Narayangadh–Muglin road section and the Chitwan-bound segment of the Prithvi Highway on Saturday evening due to landslides and falling rocks. Minor landslides have been cleared, allowing essential light vehicles to resume travel on Sunday morning, but long-distance and heavy vehicles remain stranded at multiple holding centers until the roads are deemed safe. Landslides and road obstructions have also been reported in Dhading, Tanahun, and other districts. Police officials have urged drivers to exercise caution and remain at designated holding areas until conditions improve.

The government has taken preemptive measures in response to the ongoing monsoon crisis. A two-day public holiday has been declared for Sunday and Monday (October 5 and 6) across the country to reduce travel and minimize risk to citizens. The Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and NDRRMA, has urged the public to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.

The current monsoon episode has highlighted Nepal’s vulnerability to seasonal floods and landslides, particularly as some road infrastructure, damaged by heavy rains last year, remains unrepaired. Officials warn that disruptions to transport and supply chains, combined with inundation of markets and farmlands, could result in rising prices of essential commodities in the coming days.

As the monsoon continues, communities across eastern and central Nepal are bracing for further challenges, with authorities, emergency responders, and local residents working together to manage the unfolding disaster and mitigate risks to human life and property.