Monsoon Risk Recedes, Situation Gradually Returning to Normalcy

With the gradual improvement in weather conditions, the risk from this year’s monsoon has significantly receded across Nepal. Authorities have allowed resumption of vehicular movement on major highways, water levels in major rivers are receding, and public services are returning to normal operations. However, rescue and relief works continue in severely affected districts such as Ilam and Sunsari.

Vehicular Movement Resumes but Major Roads Remain Obstructed

Vehicular movement along the Prithvi Highway and the Narayanghat–Mugling road section resumed from 6:00 am on Monday, according to the District Police Office, Chitwan.

The state-run national news agency RSS reported that traffic had been suspended since 9:00 pm on Sunday due to the high risk of landslides following incessant rainfall on Friday and Saturday.

Superintendent of Police Govinda Puri told RSS that vehicles stranded in 14 holding centres across Chitwan have now departed for their destinations. “Traffic has been regular since early morning,” RSS quoted him as saying.

 

However, despite the improving weather conditions, vehicular movement has been obstructed in 18 road sections across the country due to flooding and landslides triggered by recent rainfall, according to the Nepal Police Headquarters.

In Sankhuwasabha district, the Koshi Highway has been blocked by landslides in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality–4 and Makalu Rural Municipality–3.

Police spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Binod Ghimire said the Siddhicharan Highway is completely obstructed at Manebhangyang Rural Municipality in Okhaldhunga district, while the Daldale section of the same highway is blocked at Katari Municipality–14 in Udayapur.

Similarly, the Mid-Hill Highway is closed at Dhikure in Pakhribas Municipality–5, Dhankuta, and the Koshi Highway is blocked at Sagurigadhi Rural Municipality in the same district. The Mechi Highway has also been obstructed by landslides at various locations in Ilam Municipality–9.

In Rasuwa district, traffic movement along the Nepal–China Friendship Bridge in Gosaikunda Rural Municipality–2 and four other sites, including Syaphrubensi, has been halted.

The Araniko Highway is blocked at Charkilo of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality–4, Sindhupalchowk, while the BP Highway remains obstructed at Mamtikhola of Roshi Rural Municipality–11, Kavre.

According to DIG Ghimire, several road sections in Makawanpur district, including the Kanti Highway and the Kulekhani–Dakshinkali road, have also been affected by rain-induced disasters.

Police further reported that the Mid-Hill Highway at Phikkal Rural Municipality–6 and the BP Highway at Sunkoshi Rural Municipality–1, Sindhuli district, have been blocked by landslides at multiple locations.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has directed districts that are not currently engaged in disaster response operations to resume normal public services.

In a circular issued by Section Officer Suman Bhattarai, the Ministry stated that only those districts still under active disaster response should continue with emergency operations.

Around three dozen districts have been affected by heavy rainfall since October 3, with disaster management efforts continuing in the worst-hit areas.

Death Toll in Ilam Landslide Rises to 37

In Ilam district, the death toll from Saturday night’s massive landslide has reached 37, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Eknarayan Koirala.

Bodies of three missing persons were recovered on Monday, while one individual, 48-year-old Mahendra Limbu of Ilam Municipality–6, remains missing.

SP Koirala said that while road blockages, electricity cuts, and poor internet connectivity have hampered rescue work, security personnel are collecting damage details and continuing search operations.

Floods Inundate Over 1,000 Houses in Sunsari

In Sunsari district, floodwaters submerged 1,036 houses following continuous rainfall, the District Police Office reported.

According to DSP Yograj Khatiwada, several areas in Bhokraha, Barahakshetra, Inaruwa, Ramdhuni, and Itahari were inundated, forcing temporary relocation of affected families to safer areas.

Floods also affected Janodaya Basic School in Inaruwa–4 and Cardio Neuro Hospital in Bhokraha, where doctors had to be ferried by boat with the help of the Armed Police Force.

The Dovan River swept away 45-year-old Navaraj Uraw in Barahakshetra–8, and a search is ongoing.

Water Level Recedes in Koshi Barrage but Still Above Danger Mark

The Saptakoshi River’s water level has gradually decreased after rainfall subsided in the region, according to Superintendent of the Armed Police Force Nirmal Thapa.

The water flow measured 435,305 cubic meters per second at 6:00 am Monday, down from 533,500 cubic meters per second the previous night.

All 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage remain open for drainage. Continuous monitoring is underway, with red lights and flags still raised as the river remains above the danger level.

Cloudy Weather Likely to Persist

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, monsoon influence still persists across Nepal although the active system that brought the rainfall has already exited the country.

The weather is expected to remain generally cloudy in Koshi, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, and partly cloudy elsewhere on Monday. Moderate rain with thunderstorms is possible in some hilly and Tarai regions, particularly in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces on Monday night.

Prime Minister Expresses Condolences and Thanks Rescuers

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property in Ilam and other disaster-hit areas.

Through her social media post on Sunday evening, the PM extended condolences to the bereaved families and gratitude to all those involved in rescue and relief efforts.

“The patience and cooperation shown by the Nepali people during this crisis are commendable,” she said, adding that relief distribution efforts are ongoing in affected districts. – With inputs from RSS

Note: This news has been updated on road obstruction.