Nepal is battling a fresh weather emergency after heavy to exceptionally heavy rainfall from September 24 to 27 triggered floods, landslides and rain-related incidents across the Himalayan nation, killing at least 21 people, injuring five and leaving five missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
The rainfall was linked to a low-pressure system that developed over the Bay of Bengal. Landslides accounted for 14 deaths, while floods killed four and three people died in incidents directly linked to continuous rainfall. At least 747 families have been affected, with around 2,000 people evacuated from high-risk areas.
Authorities, including Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and the Nepali Army, have been carrying out rescue and relief operations, while Prime Minister Balendra Shah urged people living near rivers and in hilly areas to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious. The latest crisis comes barely a month after Nepal suffered a devastating flood disaster in August.
Rivers Rise, Communities Evacuated
The latest spell of rainfall has pushed rivers across Nepal beyond danger levels, inundated settlements and disrupted road connectivity. The Narayani River at Devghat rose to 11.94 metres on September 27, significantly above its nine-metre danger level and reportedly the highest level recorded there since measurements began in 1963.
Residents in vulnerable settlements along the river were moved to safer areas as floodwaters entered homes and low-lying communities. In Parbat, the swollen Kaligandaki River swept away houses in Farse settlement, while residents were relocated to safety.
Landslides also disrupted major highways, including sections of the Nagdhunga-Muglin and Prithvi Highway routes. NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat said the authority had kept district administrations and security agencies on high alert while data on damage and casualties continued to be collected.
In one of the worst-hit districts, Baglung, a landslide buried a house in Nishi Khola, killing four members of a family. Palpa also recorded five landslide deaths, according to local police and Radio Nepal reports.
Rainfall Fuels Wider Disaster Risk
NDRRMA said more than 100 millimetres of rainfall was recorded at 186 monitoring stations during the September 24-27 period. Deda Gaun in Nawalparasi East recorded 544.2 mm, while Panchase in Kaski received 500.2 mm and Atraulitar in Tanahun recorded 472 mm, according to the latest figures reported from the authority.
The intense rainfall has created a chain reaction across Nepal’s difficult terrain, with saturated slopes becoming vulnerable to landslides while swollen rivers threaten downstream settlements.
NDRRMA has also warned communities after landslides obstructed the Marsyangdi River near Chame in Manang and partially blocked the Kali Gandaki in Mustang, raising concerns about sudden releases of water if temporary blockages collapse.
Meanwhile, emergency teams have used helicopters to evacuate people trapped in difficult-to-reach areas, including parts of Myagdi, Jajarkot and Sankhuwasabha. The government has also urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as roads remain vulnerable to further landslides.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Nepal’s latest floods and landslides are not merely a story of rising rivers and damaged roads; they are a reminder of how quickly extreme weather can threaten homes, livelihoods and lives, particularly in communities already vulnerable because of geography and limited access. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise caution around riverbanks and hilly areas, and seek help through the emergency number 1234.
He has also warned against misinformation and the exploitation of disaster victims during the crisis. With rescue teams still reaching affected communities and authorities continuing to assess the damage, the priority must remain saving lives, providing timely relief and ensuring that displaced families are treated with dignity.
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