Floods and landslides in Nepal and India leave at least 60 dead

Sunday 05 October 2025 - 13:30

By: Sahili Aya

Floods and landslides in Nepal and India leave at least 60 dead

Torrential rains over the past 48 hours have caused deadly floods, landslides, and thunderstorms in Nepal and northeastern India, leaving at least 60 people dead, hundreds displaced, and causing widespread destruction.

In Nepal, heavy rains that began on Friday claimed the lives of at least 43 people, including 37 in the eastern district of Illam, according to the National Emergency Agency. Five people remain missing, and twelve others were injured.

“Roads are blocked, and some areas are very difficult to access. Rescue teams have to reach them on foot,” said district administrator Sunita Nepal.
In Kathmandu, swollen rivers overflowed, flooding nearby areas. Helicopters and boats were deployed to rescue stranded residents.

“There’s a lot of damage, but thanks to early warnings, we managed to save our belongings,” said Rajan Khadga, a 38-year-old shopkeeper, who added that part of his vegetable stock was destroyed by mud.

The Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government, Sushila Karki, announced that all official agencies were mobilized to assist victims and declared Sunday and Monday as public holidays.

Across the border, in India’s Darjeeling region (West Bengal), violent rains killed at least 20 people, according to lawmaker Harsh V. Shringla. “Entire mountain areas are cut off, and roads have been destroyed,” he said on X.

At least two bridges were swept away, and large areas submerged, confirmed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and promised federal aid to affected regions.

Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying South Asia’s monsoon patterns. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Kathmandu, had already warned in June that rising temperatures and extreme rainfall increase the risk of water-related disasters such as floods and landslides.