At Least 50 Dead and Entire Communities Destroyed After Heavy Rain and Landslides Sweep Through Villages

NEED TO KNOW

• At least 50 people have been killed in Nepal in a series of floods, landslides, heavy rainfall and lightning, officials said

• The country’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority announced the deaths in a daily disaster bulletin on Oct. 5, noting others are missing or injured

• Officials in nearby India have offered to provide additional resources

At least 50 people were killed in Nepal in a series of floods, landslides, heavy rainfall and lightning, officials said.

The country’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority announced the deaths in a daily disaster bulletin on Sunday, Oct. 5, noting others are missing or injured.

The Associated Press reported Nepal began experiencing heavy rainfall on Friday, Oct. 3, and eventually entire village communities were destroyed by landslides. A spokesperson for the Armed Police Force told Reuters that 50 people in Nepal had died in the floods and landslides as of Monday, Oct. 6.

“Heavy rains overnight caused the landslides,” Ilam authority Sunita Nepal said, according to Al Jazeera. “Rescue workers have reached the affected areas. It was difficult because many roads were blocked.”

According to another Ilam official, six members of one family died after their residence was decimated by a landslide, the Times of India reported.

“Domestic flights are largely disrupted but international flights are operating normally,” said Kathmandu airport spokesperson Rinji Sherpa, according to Reuters.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki addressed the tragedy in a statement shared on X on Sunday.

“The disaster and loss of life and property in Ilam and other places due to excessive rainfall have deeply saddened me. In this difficult time, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, along with prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls,” the prime minister said in an English translation.

“At this moment, I deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of all those engaged day and night in relief and rescue operations. The patience and cooperation shown by the Nepali people in facing this disaster are commendable, for which I express my heartfelt gratitude,” she added in a separate post.

The prime minister of India, which borders Nepal, offered to provide additional resources amid the fatal flooding.

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“The loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rains in Nepal is distressing. We stand with the people and Government of Nepal in this difficult time,” Prime Minister Narandra Modi wrote on X. “As a friendly neighbour and first responder, India remains committed to providing any assistance that may be required.”

Monsoon season in Nepal typically stretches from June through September. Nepal has recently experienced other severe storms; the AP reported 224 people died and 158 were injured in floods and landslides nationwide last year.

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