Nepal floods and landslides kill 21, force 3,000 evacuations as monsoon toll climbs

At least 21 people have been killed and five are missing after four days of torrential rain triggered floods and landslides across Nepal, authorities said on Sunday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said landslides caused most of the deaths — 14 killed and five missing — while floods killed four and three more died in continuous heavy rainfall. Five others were injured. The severe weather, blamed on a low-pressure system from the Bay of Bengal, battered the country from September 24 to 27.

Around 3,000 people were evacuated from high-risk areas, including by helicopter in the mountain districts of Jajarkot, Myagdi and Sankhuwasabha. The disaster directly affected 247 families: 260 homes were completely destroyed and 80 partially damaged.

The Narayani River crossed its nine-metre danger level on Sunday morning, reaching 9.23 metres at Devghat and entering riverside settlements. Landslides blocked several highways leading to Chitwan, a key junction for travel across the country.

The deluge follows last month’s catastrophic flash floods, which killed at least 1,453 people and left more than 5,000 missing, officials said. NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Basnet said district offices in all 77 districts remain on high alert as rain continues.