What is the location of the flooding?
Since October 3, 2025, days of heavy monsoon rain have caused widespread flooding and landslides across Nepal. Torrential downpours have left rivers overflowing, highways blocked, and several districts isolated.
The eastern district of Ilam has been hardest hit, while rivers in Kathmandu have swelled, inundating settlements along their banks. The Koshi River in southeastern Nepal has risen above danger levels, forcing authorities to open all sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage to drain excess water.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
The following areas are affected by the floods:
- Ilam
- Jhapa
- Kathmandu
- Sunsari
Ilam, in eastern Nepal, is the worst hit, with at least 37 people killed by landslides. Jhapa and Sunsari districts also report flooding and blocked roads, while the swollen Bagmati River has inundated parts of Kathmandu. Several highways and rural roads have been cut off due to landslides, leaving hundreds stranded.
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Containment remains extremely challenging as rainfall continues. At least 47 people have been killed, with five missing and 20 injured. Nepal’s army and emergency personnel are conducting rescue operations in over 28 locations using helicopters and motorboats.
Highways remain blocked, and domestic flights have been disrupted. Authorities in Sunsari opened all 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage to control rising waters, while the government has pledged full preparedness for rescue and relief operations.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities have issued flood and landslide alerts across eastern and central Nepal. A three-day ban on vehicular movement into and out of the Kathmandu Valley was imposed for safety.
Residents living near riverbanks and unstable slopes in Ilam and surrounding districts have been advised to evacuate immediately. Security forces continue to assist in moving stranded individuals to safer ground, and emergency shelters have been established in affected areas.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
