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The Kalikot-Surkhet road section along the Karnali Highway has been obstructed due to landslides triggered by incessant rainfall.

Following the obstruction, hundreds of passengers and freight vehicles heading to different destinations have been stranded mid-way.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ramesh Rawal said that the road has been completely blocked in more than two places following the landslide at Simlegad  in Khandachakra Municipality of Kalikot along the Karnali Highway.

He informed that the landslide completely blocked the road at Sisnegad in Sanni Triveni Municipality and Bhattadi in Raskot Municipality-8 in Kalikot along the Karnali Corridor.

Nepal Police personnel have been clearing the debris to bring back the vehicular movement on the road to normalcy.

The Mahakali Highway has been obstructed due to a landslide at Kimtadi, Mahakali Municipality-5.

Chief District Officer Yagya Raj Joshi said that vehicular movement has been halted since this morning following the occurrence of the landslide.

Vehicles heading to the district headquarters from the Tarai and those exiting the district to various destinations have been stranded, said Lawaraj Awasthi, a staff with the Mahakali Counter Darchula.

A landslide had occurred at the same place in January also.

Traffic resumed after repairing the road. 

Landslides and floods resulting from days of monsoon rains have claimed at least 148 lives across Nepal even as rescue teams continue their search for dozens of missing individuals. Authorities reported recovery of bodies from vehicles buried under landslide debris near Kathmandu.

Clearer weather on Sunday allowed rescue teams to intensify search and rescue operations, although Kathmandu remains isolated, with major routes connecting the city with the rest of the country blocked by debris. Rescuers pulled 35 bodies from three buses buried under debris at a landslide site in Dhunibeshi municipality-9 (Dhading district), as workers continued to sift through the wreckage in search of survivors.

According to police, recent disasters have left 86 people injured while at least 59 people caught in disasters remain unaccounted for. The death toll is expected to rise with reports from remote areas, many of which remain cut off due to flooding and landslides, still awaited.

In southern Kathmandu, floodwaters have started to recede, allowing residents to clean their homes. The Kathmandu Valley has suffered significant losses, with at least 68 lives lost.

Rescue efforts have been bolstered by the involvement of both police and military personnel, who are using heavy machinery to clear the debris from roads and residential areas. In response to the widespread destruction, the government has ordered the closure of schools and colleges across Nepal for three days.

The annual monsoon, which enters Nepal in June and withdraws by mid-September (generally), often leads to destructive flooding and landslides, exacerbating the country’s challenges in coping with the natural disasters that frequently accompany the rainy season.

The Kathmandu Valley faced a devastating natural disaster over the weekend as an unprecedented 240 millimeters (9.4 inches) of rain fell within 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning—the heaviest rainfall recorded since at least 1970.

Flood-affected residents, most of them living near river banks, began returning to their mud-caked on Sunday to assess the damage. Rain-swollen rivers in Kathmandu Valley breached banks and several settlements, causing significant damage to properties. Many neighborhoods were waterlogged, requiring security personnel to conduct emergency rescue operations.  

Heavy rainfall has also damaged the roads and highways leading to the Kathmandu Valley isolating Kathmandu from the rest of Nepal. Over 3,000 personnel are involved in rescue efforts, utilizing bulldozers to clear debris-laden roads. Rafts and helicopters have been deployed to assist rescue teams to reach stranded survivors.

By Sunday morning, domestic flights resumed after severe weather conditions halted all air traffic from Friday evening, resulting in more than 150 flight cancellations. The situation remains critical as authorities continue their search for missing persons and work to provide relief to those affected by the catastrophic floods and landslides.

Rs 2.45bn loss in energy sector

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation has reported significant damage to the energy sector, estimating losses at around Rs 2.45bn due to recent floods and landslides. Energy Minister Deepak Khadka stated that floods and landslides have resulted in the suspension of 1,100 MW of electricity production. In addition to losses in power generation, damages to irrigation infrastructure are estimated at Rs 1.35bn. Kulman Ghising, the executive director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, confirmed that the Tamakoshi Hydropower Project has been shut down for three days. He warned that if the project remains closed for an extended period, it could lead to issues in load management.

Beyond the Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, damage has been reported in other critical areas, including two towers in the Kabeli Corridor. Furthermore, 200 MW of power production has been disrupted after the Tamakoshi River swept away the Khimti Tower, which is crucial for transmitting electricity to Kathmandu. The Ministry of Energy highlighted that an additional tower responsible for transmitting 800 MW of electricity in Tamakoshi is currently at risk.

Fifteen under-construction projects, collectively with a capacity of 1,000 MW, have also suffered significant damage. 

Young footballers killed

In a tragic incident, six teenage footballers lost their lives in a landslide in Sisneri, Indrasarowar Rural Municipality-3, while returning from training at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) Academy. The players, students of Shree Batsala Devi Secondary School, were caught in the landslide on Saturday.

Their bodies were airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu by an army helicopter. The grieving families of the deceased are demanding clear information and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their death. They have stated they will not accept the bodies until they receive satisfactory answers from ANFA.

Koshi records second-biggest flood

The Saptakoshi region experienced its second-largest flood since the construction of the Koshi Barrage in 1962, with water flow reaching a staggering 661,005 cusecs on Sunday morning. This follows the record flood of 788,200 cusecs recorded on 5 Oct 1968.

As the water levels surged, authorities opened all 56 gates of the barrage to mitigate the risk of further flooding. By Sunday afternoon, the water began to recede, providing some relief to the area. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, assessing the risks from high water levels.

Similarly, the dam gates of the Kulekhani Reservoir were briefly opened on Saturday morning after the reservoir exceeded its danger mark of 1,530 meters. The gates were closed after 12 hours when the water level decreased to 1,525meters.

All three hydropower projects at Kulekhani—Kulekhani 1, 2, and 3—are now operating at full capacity, generating a total of 106 MW of electricity. 

Nepali Army Lt Col dies

Lieutenant Colonel Milan KC of the Nepali Army lost his life in a landslide while attempting to rescue one of his friends in Sindhupalchok. According to Brigadier General Gaurav KC, spokesperson for the Army, Lt Col KC, who was stationed at the Nepali Military Academy in Kharipati, was visiting the area with friends.

The group was staying at the Sindhu Beach Resort in Sunkoshi Rural Municipality-4 when the landslide struck. Lt Col KC was reportedly trying to rescue a Korean friend when he got trapped in the debris. The condition of the Korean citizen remains unknown.

25 rescued from Sri Lanka island

A rescue operation successfully evacuated 25 people stranded on Sri Lanka Island in Barahakshetra Municipality-6, following flooding from the Saptakoshi River. The stranded individuals, mainly farmers tending to buffaloes, had been trapped since Friday due to rising water levels that rendered the area inaccessible.

Rescue efforts began on Saturday morning after the water flow in the Koshi River decreased. The stranded individuals were safely evacuated by boat, marking a successful end to the operation.

Over 161 people rescued via air

More than 161 people were successfully rescued by Nepali Army helicopters over the weekend, as swiftly moving flood waters hampered ground rescue operations. In Kavre alone, 83 individuals were evacuated and relocated to safety. Three helicopters were deployed for rescue efforts in the region.

The Army, at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been conducting air rescues to assist citizens at risk due to recent disasters. Similarly, 13 people were rescued in the Kathmandu Valley, 33 in Sindhuli, and 32 in Makwanpur.

All-party meeting prioritizes rescue efforts

An all-party meeting held on Sunday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singhadurbar concluded with a commitment to prioritize search and rescue operations for victims of recent floods and landslides. The meeting emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among political parties, all levels of government, and the private sector in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation initiatives.

Government Spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that the meeting called upon the private sector, citizens, and organizations to contribute to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund. The decision was made to facilitate the safe evacuation of stranded travelers affected by the disasters, with collaboration from the District Disaster Management Committee, the District Transport Association, and security personnel.

Additionally, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply will work with the private sector to ensure the provision of essential goods, including food, vegetables, fruits, and gas, at affordable prices. The meeting also agreed to assess the damage to infrastructure and the agricultural sector caused by the floods, including bridges, roads, schools, health posts, and electrical structures, to initiate necessary reconstruction efforts.

Leaders from various parties stressed the importance of continuing relief efforts in the aftermath of the disaster. Furthermore, the Ministry of Urban Development, in collaboration with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, will work on housing solutions for victims who lost their homes due to the floods and landslides.

Floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall left 50 families displaced in Badigad of Baglung district.

As many as 50 households of Badigad Rural Municipality-9, Nayabasti and Arupta, Patle, Clabjhing, Khor and Salle in ward 10 have been displaced due to recent landslides. 

At least 11 people have been killed so far and the status of one is still unknown. The displaced families are surviving a hapless life. There has been no supply of drinking water and electricity in the landslide-hit areas. Children and the elderly are facing more problems.

Bhim Bahadur Budha, a local, commented that several houses in the village are still at risk of landslides. He further said the settlements around his house are facing vulnerable conditions.

Badigad Rural Municipality Vice Chair Bhimsen Ban said the displaced families are being managed in schools and public places. The rural municipality is distributing relief in the initial phase, he said.

Noting that the municipality has provided food and tarpaulin sheets, lamps and other essential items, he said discussions are underway with the higher-level governments for long-term management.

A person died after a landslide buried a house in Pokhara Metropolitan City-27 on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Bhim Bahadur Thapa (22) of Sahelapata. However, 50-year-old Kamala Thapa was rescued alive in the disaster.

After knowing about the landslide burying a house, a police team from the Area Police Office, Sishuwa and locals carried out rescue works, according to DSP Basant Kumar Sharma.

Even a team of the Armed Police Force joined the rescue operations, Sharma added.

It has been raining in the Pokhara Valley since Tuesday evening.

The Dumre-Besisahar road section has been obstructed due to a landslide triggered by incessant rain since last night.

A mudslide occurred at Dalal of Besisahar Municipality-1 blocked the road section since the morning today, said Thaneshwar Chapain, Information Officer at the District Police Office Lamjung.

Chapain said a team has been mobilized to remove the landslide debris from the road and open it for traffic. However, the work has been hampered due to continuous rain. Vehicles and passengers have been stranded due to the road blockage.

Passengers traveling to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, among other destinations from Besisahar and vice-versa and those traveling on to Manang via Besisahar are stranded. Even an ambulance has been stuck there. The Dumre-Besisahar road is 42 kilometers.

The Malekhu-Muglin road section along with Prithvi Highway has been obstructed due to a landslide on Monday.

Landslide occurred between Fisling, Ichhakamana Rural Municipality-3 and Mauwakhola rivulet this morning has caused the road disruption

Chief of the Area Police Office, Muglin, Nirala Bhandari informed that a landslide occurred in the sites which were dug during the construction of the road.

He said that the task of removing landslide debris is currently underway.

Due to the landslide, the vehicles bound to the destination have been stopped on the way.

Three persons died and eight others were injured when a landslide buried a Scorpio jeep at Jorte in Palpa on Wednesday.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be established.

SP Heramba Sharma, Chief at the District Police Office, Palpa, said that the trio died on the spot when the landslide buried the jeep (Lu 1 Ja 4600) at Jorte in Palpa this morning.

The jeep was heading towards Butwal from Tamghas when the incident occurred at around 8 am.

Information Officer at the District Police Office, Palpa said that the injured have been taken to the Mission Hospital for treatment.

Traffic along the Kanti Highway has been obstructed due to a landslide at Bhattedanda, the bordering area of Lalitpur and Makawanpur districts.

The vehicular movement has been obstructed due to the landslide following rainfall for the past some days.

The District Police Office, Makawanpur, said that they are facing difficulties to clear the debris due to continuous rainfall.

Spokesperson of District Police Office, Makawanpur, Tek Bahadur Karki said that preparations are underway to resume the vehicular movement by this afternoon after clearing the landslide debris if there is an improvement on weather.  

Karki, however, said that traffic along the Tribhuvan Highway, East-West Highway and Bhimphedi-Kulekhani road section has not been disrupted in the district.

Vehicular movement along the Narayangadh-Munglin road section has resumed from Tuesday afternoon after 17 hours.

The road section was obstructed following a landslide at Namsikhola in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality- 6 of Chitwan at 8 pm on Monday, Information Office at the Road Division Office, Chitwan Chandeshwor Sah said.

The vehicles that were stranded due to the landslide have headed towards their respective destinations.

Vehicular movement along the Narayangadh-Mugling road section, which was obstructed by the landslide, will resume after six hours, the Road Division said.

The landslide occurred in Namsi at 8 pm on Monday, said Information Officer at Road Division, Engineer Chandeshwor Saha, adding that four excavators are being used to remove the debris.

Although the machines were mobilized to clear the obstruction at 10 pm, it will take six more hours for complete removal of obstruction.

Only 30 percent debris has been removed so far, according to police chief at Area Police Office Muglin, Inspector Bishal Tamang.

The vehicles including passenger buses have been stranded at different places along the road following the landslide triggered by rainfall.

The vehicles coming from Kathmandu are stopped at Muglin, Kurintar, Phisling and Dhading, while those from east-west highway at Bharatpur and Gaindakot, Nawalpur.

As many as 26 families of Khanigaun, Dharche-7, Gorkha have been displaced due to a landslide triggered by incessant rainfall a few days ago.

The people of Gairigaun Tole and Kafalgaun Tole have been displaced after the landslide completely damaged their houses, local Pandur Gurung said.

“Some people have been taking shelter in their relatives’ houses in School Tole, some in the cow sheds and some have been living under the tents,” Gurung, also a ward member, said.

They have taken their belongings out of their houses, another local Cham Bahadur Gurung said.

“The land in the area has developed fissures and there are cracks everywhere in the houses,” he said.

“The rural municipality has given 12 tarpaulin sheets and the people of 12 families under the tarpaulin sheets. Others live in their relatives’ houses” Gurung further said.

“The village, which was safe before the earthquake, became vulnerable after the earthquake. The landslide has already washed away 40-45 houses after the earthquake. They are living in a safe place in the forest above the village,” Gurung said.

Sunila Gurung, Deputy Chief of the Dharche Rural Municipality, has recently inspected the village which is at the risk of landslide.

She has suggested that the village should be shifted to another place.

“The villagers had moved to a safer place after the earthquake and the landslide destroyed their houses. They are in a big problem after their new houses sustained cracks due to the landslide,” Gurung said, “There is no alternative to shifting them to a safer place. Now, we are holding a discussion about the ways to protect the villagers.”

Teaching and learning activities have been affected after the landslide triggered by incessant rainfall buried school buildings in Parbat.

The landslide buried two buildings of Thapathana Secondary School at Falebas Municipality-2. The landslide that came from around 50 meters above the school buried the buildings.

School headmaster Bishnu Prasad Sharma informed that though the landslide buried three rooms, teaching and learning activities were being conducted in the other eight rooms of the school.

The landslide had caused damage to the building on July 1 also. The landslide occurred in the same place after August 7, 2023 triggered further damage.

The landslide has gradually buried the threshold of the school. "There is no situation to keep students in all eight rooms", he said.

Teaching and learning activities are being conducted from primary level to grade eight. As many as 240 students are studying in the school now.

"There is every likelihood that the landslide may occur anytime and cause damage to the school", Sharma added. "We are compelled to keep the students of grades two and three together in one place".

Santosh Rijal, the school teacher, said the breakdown of the edge of the newly-constructed Naudanda-Karkineta-Falebas-Jaimuni road has caused damage to two-three rooms of the school.

Thapathana is the school having the highest number of students in Falebas Municipality.

The Katari-Gaighat road section of the Madan Bhandari Highway has been obstructed due to a landslide triggered by incessant rainfall near the bridge over the Mauwasi rivulet at Udayapurgadhi Rural Municipality-6.

Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Area Police Office Katari Rabin Karki said that the Katari-Gaighat section of the highway has been fully blocked since the morning today due to the landslide.

"It is raining continuously and works for opening the road by removing landslide debris has been hampered by the incessant rain," he said. The landslide has washed away more than 50 meters of the road.

With the disruption of the road, vehicles coming from east have been diverted towards Bardibas via Gaighat and Lahan while the vehicles coming from west have been diverted from Katari via Mirchaiya of Siraha.

Two persons, who went missing in the landslide at Bagmati Rural Municipality-5, Sikredobhan in Makawanpur, were found dead on Wednesday.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Makwanpur, Tek Bahadur Karki said that the bodies of two persons among others who went missing in the flood and landslide occurred after incessant rain since Tuesday morning were found on the bank of Bagmati River at Hariharpurigadh Rural Municipality-1, Kokare.

The deceased have been identified as Akkal Bahadur Syangtan (60) and his daughter Sheela Pahari (22).

With this, the death toll has reached three.

Pasang Ghising (17) of Hariharpur Rural Municipality-1, Kokati, Sindhuli, however, was rescued alive on Tuesday evening.

He was rescued from the Bagmati river bank.

Ghising, who was found injured, is being treated at the Hetauda Hospital.

Three people, who were swept away by flood and landslide, are still missing.

Whereabouts of Akkal Bahadur's son-in-law Jeewan Pahari (25), his four-year-old grandson Milan Pahari and one-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter Divya Pahari are still unknown.

Search for the missing is underway with the help of the police and locals, DSP Karki said.

Akkal Bahadur's wife Santamaya (55) was found dead on Tuesday, police said.

Three major highways have been obstructed due to landslides triggered by torrential rainfall.

Banespa-Sindhuli-Bardibas (BP) Highway, Hetauda-Sindhuli-Gaighat-Chatara (Madan Bhandari) Highway and Khurkot-Ghurmi road section of Madhyapahadi (Pushpa Lal) Lokmarga have been disrupted owing to floods and landslides.

Raj Kumar Silwal, Chief at the District Police Office, Sindhuli said that the landslides have occurred in more than four places from Bardibas to Nepalthok of BP Highway.

He said that the landslides have blocked the road in Dumja, Bhiman and Maisthan among other places.

Similarly, vehicular movement has been obstructed following landslides in Haibar, Akkare and Sokhukhola along the Khurkot-Ghurmi road section of Madhyapahadi Lokmarga.

Likewise, landslides have covered roads in more than a dozen places from Kusumtar, Kamalamai Municipality-2, Sindhuli to Bagmati river bank of Hariharpur Rural Municipality.

Police said that the concerned authorities are making their maximum efforts to resume the highways.