Nepal has experienced torrential rainfall since Friday, causing rivers to overflow and inundating many settlements. Officials reported that at least 44 people have died and five are missing due to rain-related disasters. The eastern district of Illam was hit hardest, with 37 deaths caused by landslides, local authorities said.

“Heavy overnight rains caused landslides, blocking many roads and making rescue operations challenging,” said Sunita Nepal, a district official. Security forces have deployed helicopters and motorboats to aid affected communities, while residents along rivers in Kathmandu were evacuated to safer areas.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki assured that government agencies were “fully prepared for rescue and relief” and declared public holidays to prevent unnecessary travel.

Across the border in India, at least 20 people died in Darjeeling, West Bengal, after flash floods and landslides destroyed homes and infrastructure. Videos on Indian news channels showed rescue teams using cables to reach stranded residents. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the deaths and said the situation was being closely monitored.

India’s meteorological department issued a red alert for extreme rainfall in sub-Himalayan areas, including Darjeeling, until Monday. The Indian army also joined rescue operations in Bhutan, evacuating residents stranded in border towns such as Phuentsholing.

Experts warn that climate change is intensifying such disasters, increasing the frequency and severity of floods and landslides across South Asia. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development had warned this monsoon season of heightened disaster risks due to rising temperatures and extreme rainfall.

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By Sunday, about 350 trekkers had reached the township of Qudang, while contact was established with more than 200 others. Authorities are evacuating trekkers in stages, prioritizing those most at risk. Many trekkers described the conditions as “wet and cold,” with hypothermia posing a serious threat. Even guides said they had never experienced such extreme weather in October.

The affected area lies at an elevation of approximately 4,200 metres (13,800 feet), including the eastern slopes and the remote Karma valley that leads to Everest’s eastern Kangshung face. October is typically a peak trekking season with clear skies, making this year’s blizzard highly unusual. The large crowds this month were partly due to an eight-day national holiday in China, which drew additional trekkers to the area.

The blizzard coincided with heavy rainfall in Nepal and parts of India, causing landslides and flash floods that killed and injured several people. Rescue operations continue, with teams working to ensure that all trekkers reach safety. Officials have confirmed that the Mount Everest blizzard rescue effort remains ongoing and is being closely coordinated with local authorities.

This incident highlights the dangers of extreme weather at high altitudes and serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness for trekkers visiting the Himalayas during the winter months.

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