At least 14 dead in 72 hours as heavy rain triggers floods, landslides in Nepal

Severe storms that began on Thursday have claimed at least 14 lives across Nepal, with widespread inundation, flooding, and landslides reported nationwide, leading to alerts and warnings. On Sunday morning, authorities issued a warning for residents living along the Narayani River in Central Nepal after the river crossed a warning level of 9 meters and entered settlements.

Highway access to Chitwan, serving as the main gateway for traveling across the country, remains blocked due to landslides reported in multiple locations. As of Saturday evening, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that 6 people had died from Thursday's rain-induced disaster, with an additional 4 fatalities reported on Sunday morning in a landslide incident in Myagdi District.

In Annapurna Village Council, four people were confirmed dead in a landslide, while landslides in Baglung District claimed four more lives. These landslides have impeded search and rescue efforts, and the continuous rainfall has worsened the situation. In Nishikhola Village Council of Baglung District, four people were killed after being buried in a landslide in Hardra's Ward Number 3.

The Kaligandaki River has swept away houses and bridges, disrupting road connectivity. Security forces have been conducting evacuations in multiple districts to relocate thousands of people to safer areas. This disaster follows a similar tragedy just a month ago, the Bhotekoshi Floods, which had already resulted in over 1400 deaths and 6000 missing persons in the Rasuwa district.

The flood damaged eight operating hydropower projects (281 MW) and four under-construction projects (388 MW), affecting 431.1 MW of power generation capacity. Major sections of the Galchhi–Betrawati–Rasuwagadhi road and the Prithvi Highway were destroyed or severely damaged, along with 48 suspension bridges and 31 motorable bridges.