• Source:JND
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Nepal floods 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by torrential rains in Nepal, assuring that India stands firmly beside its Himalayan neighbour during this crisis.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, “The loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rains in Nepal is distressing. We stand with the people and the Government of Nepal in this difficult time. As a friendly neighbour and first responder, India remains committed to providing any assistance that may be required.”

According to Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF), the death toll from floods, landslides, and related incidents has climbed to 40, with 13 others injured and 11 reported missing. Rescue operations are underway in several districts severely affected by the continuous downpour since Friday night.

Ilam District Worst Hit

Officials confirmed that Ilam district in eastern Nepal suffered the heaviest casualties, with at least 28 people killed and several others injured. The victims were spread across Suryodaya, Ilam, Deumai, Phakphokthum, Mangsebung, Maijogmai, and Sandakpur municipalities.

APF Joint Spokesperson Shailendra Thapa said, “Floods and landslides have claimed multiple lives in Ilam alone, while incidents in Rasuwa, Rautahat, Udayapur, and Kathmandu have added to the death toll.” In addition, six people were killed and six others injured in a tragic road accident in Panchthar district. Lightning strikes were also reported in Khotang, Bhojpur, Rautahat, and Makawanpur, leaving eight people injured.

Authorities on Sunday morning opened all 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage, which connects Nepal and India, after the Saptakoshi River crossed its danger mark. Chief District Officer of Sunsari, Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, said, “The flow exceeded 335,000 cubic feet per second, prompting the full opening of the barrage to manage water pressure. Red warning lights and flags have been activated along the barrage, with officials urging residents in low-lying areas of Sunsari and Udayapur to remain alert and move to safer grounds.

Rescue Efforts And Government Measures

Teams from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force are conducting rescue and relief operations in affected regions. Four people, including a pregnant woman, were airlifted from Ilam and shifted to a hospital in Dharan for treatment.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) confirmed that 37 deaths occurred in Koshi Province alone, most due to landslides. The authority has also issued vehicle movement restrictions in and out of Kathmandu Valley until Monday to prevent accidents caused by landslides. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) flights within Nepal were canceled due to low visibility and harsh weather conditions, which affected flights to Pokhara, Janakpur, Bharatpur, and other destinations.

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Meteorological officials said monsoon activity remains strong across five provinces, Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini, and warned of continued heavy rainfall in the eastern belt.

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A red alert has been imposed over a number of areas by authorities, including riverine zones around the Bagmati and the East Rapti, asking people to stay away from unnecessary travel and remain watchful. While rescue operations are ongoing and weather alerts are still in place, both countries, India and Nepal are working closely together to handle the situation and avoid further casualties.