Daijiworld Media Network – Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Oct 6: At least 51 people have lost their lives in eastern Nepal due to landslides and floods triggered by heavy rainfall over the weekend, officials reported.

Ilam district in Koshi province was the worst affected, with 37 fatalities recorded over the past two days, according to Kalidas Dhaubaji, spokesperson for the Armed Police Force, cited by PTI.

Authorities have restricted vehicle entry and exit from Kathmandu for the next three days due to persistent rainfall and the risk of further landslides. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority advised against operating long-route vehicles unless in emergencies and issued a red alert for areas around the Bagmati and East Rapti rivers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and offered India’s support on social media, stating, “The loss of lives and property due to heavy rains in Nepal is heartbreaking. We stand with the Nepali people and the Government of Nepal during this difficult time. As a friendly neighbor and first responder, India is committed to providing any kind of assistance that may be needed.”

The monsoon-activated downpour, which began Friday night, has caused severe infrastructure damage, leading to highway closures and major disruptions in air travel. Hundreds of passengers, many returning home after the Hindu festival of Dashain, have been stranded as rescue and relief operations continue.