Disaster authorities in Nepal report that heavy rain has caused flooding and landslides in central and eastern areas of the country over the last few days.

Floods damaged a bridge in Panchthar, Nepal, 17 June 2023. Photo: NDRRM

Among the hardest hit area the districts of Shankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Ilam and Panchthar in Koshi Province. Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reports that at least 5 people have died and 29 people are missing following multiple incidents of flooding and landslides across the districts since 17 June 2023. Several people have been injured and a total of 283 households affected, NDRRMA said.

Around 20 homes have been destroyed. A bridge in Panchthar was also destroyed and several roads across the province have been damaged. Authorities reported the Kabeli River in Taplejung and the Sabha river in Sankhuwasabha were above alert levels. Local media reported overflowing rivers have damaged power infrastructure.

A few days earlier heavy rain caused a landslide in Nuwakot District of Bagmati Province. One fatality was reported on 15 June.