At least 47 killed in Nepal landslides and floods as of Sunday, October 5, 2025
October 5, 2025 — Kathmandu
Heavy monsoon rains since Friday have triggered deadly landslides and flash floods across Nepal, killing at least 47 people, blocking highways, inundating parts of Kathmandu, and forcing authorities to open all 56 sluice gates at the Koshi Barrage to relieve pressure on the Saptakoshi River, officials said. According to Reuters, 35 of the fatalities were in Ilam district, with more people missing nationwide.
Members of the Nepal Army help people move belongings to safety along the overflowing Bagmati River, Kathmandu, October 4, 2025. Credit: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters
Ilam hardest hit by landslides
Authorities in Ilam confirmed dozens of deaths after multiple landslides struck municipalities and rural wards following continuous rainfall. The Himalayan Times reported at least 34 deaths and four missing across Ilam’s municipalities including Deumai, Maijogmai, Sandakpur, Mangsebung, Phakphokthum, Suryodaya and Ilam Municipality, with postmortems under way and damage assessments ongoing, according to local officials (The Himalayan Times).
Reuters cited the Armed Police Force as saying 35 people were killed in separate landslides in Ilam district, with additional people missing elsewhere due to floods and lightning.
A concrete bridge over the Deumai River was damaged by floodwaters, severing access in parts of Ilam. Photo: Ramkumar Limbu/RSS via The Himalayan Times
Transport disrupted; some domestic flights resume
Landslides and flooding have blocked or washed away sections of several highways, stranding travelers and complicating rescue operations, authorities said (Reuters). After widespread weather-related suspensions on Saturday, domestic flights resumed from Tribhuvan International Airport on Sunday morning where conditions permitted, with services operating to Nepalgunj and Bhadrapur and improving weather reported for Pokhara and Surkhet, according to Onlinekhabar English.
Koshi River above danger level; all 56 gates opened
With the Saptakoshi River flowing above danger marks, authorities fully opened the Koshi Barrage to expedite outflow and reduce downstream risk. Officials in Sunsari said all 56 gates were opened as flows exceeded 335,000 cusecs on Sunday morning; heavy vehicles have been restricted on the bridge as a precaution (myRepublica).
The Rising Nepal reported that red warning lights and flags were activated at the barrage, with continuous monitoring in place and residents near vulnerable riverbanks advised to remain on high alert (The Rising Nepal).
All 56 sluice gates at the Koshi Barrage were opened as flows rose above danger levels. Photo: myRepublica
National toll updates and response
Nationwide tallies continued to be updated through Sunday. An Armed Police Force update cited by the Kathmandu Post put the death toll at 39 as of early afternoon, with 36 fatalities reported in Koshi Province and three in Madhesh. Ilam alone accounted for 27 deaths and five missing at that time, with other casualties from floods, landslides and lightning across multiple districts (The Kathmandu Post).
Separately, Reuters reported at least 47 deaths since Friday, noting continued search operations for missing persons, extensive road blockages, and inundation in sections of the Kathmandu Valley.
Looking ahead
Weather officials expect rains to persist until Monday, and authorities say they are taking maximum precautions to assist affected communities and to manage river risks, including at the Koshi Barrage (Reuters; The Rising Nepal). Travelers are advised to check route and weather updates and follow local instructions as restoration of key corridors proceeds.
Community Voices
- How can authorities and communities improve early warning and evacuation in landslide-prone wards like those in Ilam?
- What immediate transport priorities (roads, bridges, air links) should be addressed to reconnect isolated areas more quickly?
- Are current river control measures at structures like the Koshi Barrage sufficient for extreme flow events?
- What additional support do frontline rescue teams need during concurrent weather and festival travel peaks?
- Which long-term slope and watershed management steps could reduce repeat disaster risk in eastern Nepal?
Sources: The Himalayan Times, The Kathmandu Post, myRepublica, Onlinekhabar English, The Rising Nepal, and Reuters