Early warnings and disaster preparedness was lauded but the eastern part of Nepal suffered extensively.
The Nepal Weekly 
October 7, 2025
A low-pressure system that developed in the Bay of Bengal had entered over Odisha in India and had actively lashed the central and eastern parts of Nepal including the Kathmandu Valley. That took place since the night of 04 October. Rain continued throughot the day on Saturday, disrupting traffic in many places. Moreover, the weather system created an extensive havoc to people in travelling and also those who were staying at home.
Keeping in view to manage possible hazards, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement on Saturday afternoon, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that it has declared public holidays across the country on October 05 and 06. However, offices related to disaster management and essential services to be at work.
“The decision to extend the holiday was made in view of the risks of flooding, inundation, and soil erosion that may arise due to the rain, as well as the possibility of road and air traffic being affected and human casualties,” the ministry said in a statement.”The ministry also sincerely requests all citizens to not leave their homes except for essential work and to stay in safe places during the said period.”
Earlier on Saturday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) had issued a notice with warning for the Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces to halt long-distance vehicle movements from all districts entering and exiting the Kathmandu Valley would be suspended until 04, 05 06 October.
Residents near riverbanks have been advised to identify higher ground for possible evacuation, while local governments and security forces have been placed on standby with heavy machinery such as dozers and excavators for road clearance operations.
Till 3 PM on October 5, authorities report 49 fatalities, 11 missing, and 17 injured across multiple districts. Three others were killed in lightning strikes different places in Nepal.
Ilam district alone accounts for 37 deaths and five missing persons, mostly in Manebhanjyang, Deumai, and Sandakpur.
The government emphasizes that these figures are preliminary, as heavy rainfall and landslides restrict access to remote villages. Relief teams continue to reach stranded communities, and the final toll is expected to rise.
Sources had informed that a landslide near the suspension bridge in Sanga, Bhaktapur, has significantly hampered traffic flow, while another landslide along KantiLokpath in Takuche, Bagmati Rural Municipality-3, Lalitpur, has completely blocked the route. These incidents underscore the vulnerability of urban-rural connections in the face of intense rainfall.
In the Pharping – Sisneri section of Makwanpur’sIndrasarowar Rural Municipality-4 experienced a landslide above the Mahalaxmi River, forcing authorities to close the road to all traffic during the crisis period.
On the BP Highway, similar disruptions were reported due to landslides in Mamtikhola, Roshi Rural Municipality-11, Kavrepalanchok, and in Buldhunga, highlighting the recurring risk along critical arterial routes.
The Arniko Highway in Sindhupalchok was also badly affected. Substantial road subsidence at Char Kilo, along with landslides near DhulikhelKhawa and the 54 Kilo, brought vehicle movement to a complete standstill. In Chitwan, the Narayangadh–Mugling route was similarly shut when a landslide struck the TuinKhola Bridge in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality-5.
The disruption not only affects daily commuters but also the transport of goods and emergency services, emphasizing the need for improved early warning systems, slope reinforcement, and alternative route planning.
Likewise, the traffic through Nagdhunga and Chandragiri was also completely halted.
The Nagdhunga–Mungling Highway and the Chandragiri – Makwanpur road were both placed under a ‘hold’ order, while vehicles have also been prohibited from plying the Nagdhunga – Godam – Taukhel route.
Movement between Dhulikhel, Dolalghat, and Sindhupalchok was stopped in both directions. At Char Kilo, another landslide washed away nearly 15 metres of roadway, while additional landslides at Mamtikhola and Buldhunga further crippled sections of the BP Highway.
Rasuwa District has also reported widespread damage. Road was blocked by a dry landslide at Ghattikhola in Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-2.
The PasangLhamu Highway, the vital trade route to the Nepal–China border, remains closed since June when a bridge collapsed, and further blockages were reported at Baluwakhani and Tatopani.
In Sankhuwasabha, flooding at Barunkhola in Bhotkhola-4 swept away a culvert, cutting off the Koshi Highway that links Khandbari to Thumsur. The Khandbari – Kimathanka road was also been rendered impassable.
Okhaldhunga district has faced similar setbacks, with the Siddhicharan Highway obstructed at Manebhanjyang following another landslide.
Two major roads from Makwanpur to Kathmandu, including KantiLokpath and the Kulekhani–Sisneri–Dakshinkali route were blocked. In Makwanpur’sIndrasarowar and Bhimphedi rural municipalities, transport has been disrupted in Phakhel, Sisneri, and the Kanti Highway because of landslides and flooding from rivers. However, the Phakhel–Humane section, which had been operating despite risks, was reopened.
Likewise, at BaguaKhola in Bhimphedi Rural Municipality–8, a landslide at 3:35 pm. completely closed the Kanti Highway. Rocks, soil, and debris fell onto the road due to the heavy rain.
The Tribhuvan Highway remains operational, but police have restricted travel except for essential purposes. The Makwanpur District Administration Office has decided to suspend travel on all roads connecting Hetauda and Kathmandu until October 6.
Last year, the Government led by KP Oli, publicly downplayed disaster losses which created confusion and delaying relief efforts. The versions severe criticism for failing to deploy helicopters to rescue people stranded on the rooftops of their homes in Kathmandu, the nation’s capital.
In contrast, this year’s government has acted proactively, coordinating timely rescue operations and using better information systems to reach affected areas more efficiently, which has helped reduce casualties despite heavy rainfall and widespread landslides.
But, this year, early warnings were issued, embankments reinforced, and emergency shelters prepared in flood- and landslide-prone districts. Coordination between the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and local administration ensured timely evacuation. Real-time monitoring of river levels, rainfall, and road conditions enabled rapid response. As a result, despite heavy rainfall, casualties were lower than expected. Improved disaster management, combined with community cooperation, demonstrates the importance of preparedness, early warnings, and transparent reporting for minimizing human and economic losses during monsoon.
