Torrential rains have hit Nepal / A mountainside collapsed into the Kali Gandaki River, and at least 21 people have died

Torrential rains that affected Nepal between September 24 and 27 caused hundreds of landslides and floods in several regions of the country. At least 21 people died, while another five are missing, according to the national disaster risk reduction authority.

Images posted on social media show the scale of the events. Near Lete, in Mustang District, a massive section of the slope broke away and collapsed into the Kali Gandaki River in approximately six seconds. Rocks, earth and trees temporarily blocked the watercourse. Other recordings show homes engulfed by floodwaters and land collapsing.

Over a 24-hour period, authorities reported 272 incidents associated with natural disasters, 97 of them landslides. Districts including Baglung, Myagdi, Mustang, Manang, Palpa and Nawalparasi were affected. Roads and infrastructure networks were destroyed or blocked, and approximately 2,000 people were evacuated.

More than 100 millimeters of rain were recorded at 186 monitoring stations, while in East Nawalparasi the amount exceeded 544 millimeters. Authorities are maintaining warnings about further flash floods and landslides. Meanwhile, an avalanche at the base of Mount Himlung killed four people, while another 12 were reported missing.