Kathmandu: At least 42 people have died in Nepal due to landslides and floods triggered by heavy rains over the past 36 hours, authorities reported today.

According to Qatar News Agency, a Nepal Police spokesperson confirmed that 18 of the fatalities occurred in the eastern district of Ilam near the Indian border, while three others died from lightning strikes in southern Nepal.

Local officials said several major highways have been closed or damaged by landslides and floods, leaving hundreds stranded and severely disrupting domestic flights, though international flights continue to operate.

In southeastern Nepal, rising water levels of the Koshi River-known for causing annual deadly floods in India’s Bihar state-have surpassed danger thresholds.

The capital, Kathmandu, surrounded by hills, experienced river flooding that inundated roads and homes, isolating the city from the rest of the country.