Heavy Rains, Landslides Kill 22 in Nepal as Floods Cut Off Roads

At least 22 people have been killed in landslides, floods, and lightning strikes triggered by heavy rainfall across Nepal over the past 36 hours, authorities said on Sunday.

According to police spokesperson Binod Ghimire, 18 people died in separate landslides in Ilam district, near the Indian border, while three others were killed by lightning in southern Nepal. Another person died in flooding in Udayapur district, also in the east.

At least 11 people remain missing after being swept away by floodwaters, said Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), adding that rescue efforts are ongoing.

The torrential rains have blocked highways, washed away bridges, and stranded hundreds of passengers across several regions. Domestic flights have been severely disrupted, though international operations at Kathmandu airport continue normally, officials confirmed.

In southeastern Nepal, authorities said the Koshi River — which frequently causes deadly flooding downstream in India’s Bihar state — was flowing well above danger levels. Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, governor of Sunsari district, said all 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage were opened to release excess water, warning that heavy vehicles might soon be banned from crossing the bridge.

In the capital, Kathmandu, swollen rivers flooded roads and homes, cutting off road access to much of the country.

Landslides and flash floods are common during Nepal’s monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September, killing hundreds annually. Weather officials warned that rainfall is expected to continue through Monday, as authorities step up rescue and relief operations for affected communities.