Nepal: 51 die in rain-related incidents, Indian PM Narendra Modi offers assistance

The highest number of casualties was reported from Ilam district in Koshi Province, where 37 deaths have been confirmed, according to The Rising Nepal.

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Other affected districts include Udayapur with two fatalities, Khotang with one, Panchthar with six, and Rautahat with three.

Armed Police Force (APF) Joint Spokesperson DSP Shailendra Thapa said one person remains missing in Ilam, while seven others were injured.

Floods and landslides have caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure in Ilam. The overflowing Mai, Puwa, and Jog Mai rivers washed away key bridges on the Mechi Highway and alternative routes, cutting off road access to the district.

Chief District Officer (CDO) Sunita Nepal said the death toll is high because many victims were asleep when the landslides occurred. “We have mobilised the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police across the district, but many inner roads are blocked, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach affected areas,” she said.

Officials warned that the number of casualties could rise further.

The Jogmai Hydropower Project also suffered major damage, disrupting electricity across the district. Bijuli Prasad Yadav, head of the Nepal Electricity Authority’s Ilam office, said it may take several days to restore power.

Rescue and relief operations are underway in all affected districts.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the disaster, calling the situation in Nepal “distressing.”

In a post on X, he said, “The loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rains in Nepal is distressing. We stand with the people and 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.”