Due to continuous rainfall, floods, and landslides on October 4 and 5, 2025, a total of 46 people have died so far, while life is gradually returning to normal as the water has receded. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority’s update as of midday today, 6 people are still missing and 24 have been injured due to monsoon-related disasters across the country. The Armed Police Force, however, has reported that including monsoon-related disasters and traffic accidents during this period, 55 people have died in total.
In Koshi Province alone, 37 people have died in Ilam due to landslides. Due to landslides and flooding, there has been human loss in several districts of the province, including Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, and Udayapur. Meanwhile, 18 individuals at risk have been rescued by helicopter by the Nepali Army.
According to Assistant Spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police Shailendra Thapa of the Armed Police Force, as of last night’s update, 49 people have died, 1 is missing, and 17 are injured in 22 incidents, including road accidents, within Koshi Province alone. In Jhapa Rural Municipality of Jhapa, 490 households were affected by flooding, and 1,664 individuals were relocated to safer places. In Gauriganj, Jhapa, after 105 houses were inundated, locals were moved to safe locations.
Despite being the most affected in terms of human loss due to continuous rainfall, floods, and landslides, life in Koshi Province is gradually returning to normal. In the province, joint teams of the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force were involved in both preparedness and post-disaster rescue and relief operations. Thanks to early warning systems from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and effective government preparedness, further human loss was prevented.
Security agencies prioritized human life in the rescue operations, and since the water has now subsided, rescue work has been completed so far, according to the heads of security bodies in Koshi Province. Those trapped in Ireland of Jhapa, as well as pregnant women from Panchthar and Sankhuwasabha, were rescued by helicopter. On Sunday, the water flow of the Koshi River was recorded at 533,000 cusecs per second, which has now dropped to 277,000 cusecs.
According to Lieutenant General Gaurav Kumar KC of the Nepali Army and Eastern Division Commander, life is returning to normal due to the stoppage of rainfall, and rescue efforts are ongoing in affected areas as needed. “In Ilam’s remote areas, far from the district headquarters, older houses collapsed due to landslides, causing more human casualties. Ilam has experienced the highest human loss,” said KC. “The water level of the Saptakoshi River has decreased. Landslides at several places have completely blocked the Mechi Highway. As joint security teams worked under a single command post across multiple locations, information exchange and rescue operations were smoother.”
Nepal Police’s Koshi Province Chief and Deputy Inspector General Ishwar Karki stated that life is returning to normal. He said that injured people were rescued by helicopter from Ilam today, and the focus is now on reopening roads considered lifelines for the district. He added that police have also been focusing on reopening roads affected by landslides in other districts. There have been no additional casualties in the area due to flooding. Relief distribution is being carried out legally through the respective District Administration Offices, said DIG Karki.
Koshi Province Armed Police Force Chief and Deputy Inspector General Kumar Nyaupane said that work is now focused on rehabilitation after the completion of rescue operations. He added that even some Armed Police units were affected, and that they have been working simultaneously on rescue and rehabilitation efforts. “Many houses in Ilam were destroyed by landslides. The government will likely formulate a policy for reconstruction. As the water level in the Saptakoshi has decreased, the threat has been removed. We are fully committed to restoring normalcy,” he said.
Due to blocked roads in seven locations caused by floods and landslides in Ilam, the central team including Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal was unable to conduct an on-site inspection today. DIG Nyaupane informed that although the central team had planned to come, it was not possible due to road obstructions. “Standing strong together and showing patience is the only option now. We are working under a joint security command to carry out rescue and relief efforts in Koshi Province. Cooperation from the public is also essential,” he said.
National News Agency