Floods and landslides have killed 21 people in Nepal, while a mountain collapsed into the Kali Gandaki and a cruise was swept into a Narayani River bridge.
Four days of torrential rain have triggered destructive floods and landslides across Nepal, killing at least 21 people. Five people remain missing and five others have been injured, according to the latest official figures.
A disturbing video from Nepal’s Mustang district shows a large section of a mountain suddenly collapsing into the Kali Gandaki River. People nearby can be seen running towards safer ground as rocks and debris tumble down the slope. No casualties have been confirmed from this particular incident.
Landslides Kill 14 People
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said 21 people died in rain-related incidents between September 24 and 27.
Of the total deaths, 14 were caused by landslides, four by flooding and three by other incidents linked to persistent heavy rain.
The disasters affected around 247 families. Preliminary assessments indicate that 260 houses were completely destroyed and another 80 were partially damaged. Approximately 3,000 people were evacuated from high-risk areas.
In Baglung district’s Nisi Khola area, a landslide buried a house and killed four members of the same family—a woman and her three sons.
Casualties and extensive property damage were also reported in Myagdi, Palpa, Parbat, Manang and Nawalpur districts.
At least 14 people died across Gandaki Province alone. Hundreds of families were displaced, while houses, livestock shelters, roads and bridges were destroyed or damaged.
Floods Cut Off Major Highways
Flooding and landslides have disrupted traffic on several major roads and severed connections between district headquarters.
Road links between Lamjung and Manang, Parbat and Baglung, and Myagdi and Mustang have been cut.
The swollen Kali Gandaki River washed away part of the approach road to the Maldhunga bridge connecting Parbat and Baglung. Around 150 metres of the Pokhara–Baglung road was also reportedly destroyed.
Temporary bridges and diversions were washed away at several locations. Nepal’s Department of Roads is clearing debris and constructing temporary access routes, but officials say many roads can reopen only after river levels fall.
Narayani Flood Sweeps Away Rhino Cruise
In Chitwan, a three-storey vessel known as the Rhino cruise was swept away from its mooring by powerful floodwaters in the Narayani River.
Some initial reports described the vessel as having capsized. However, available information indicates that the cruise was stationed near the riverbank when the ropes securing it broke. It was carried downstream and became lodged against a bridge pillar on the Gaindakot side.
There were no reports of passengers being aboard or anyone being injured in the incident.
Authorities deployed three cranes to pull the vessel towards the riverbank. The cruise is more than 70 tonnes, approximately 100 feet long and 25 feet wide, and can accommodate as many as 180 passengers.
Its position against the pillar raised concerns about the structural safety of the bridge, prompting restrictions on heavy-vehicle movement.
Threat Remains Despite Easing Rain
The intense rainfall was linked to a low-pressure system originating over the Bay of Bengal. Although rain has eased in some areas and river levels have begun falling, landslide risks remain high along unstable mountain slopes.
Authorities have urged people living near rivers, hillsides and damaged roads to remain alert and follow official evacuation and weather warnings.
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