The landslide occurred in Ward No. 4 of Bahrabise Municipality, a hilly region in Sindhupalchok district, around 3:30 AM on August 2, 2025. However, it followed over 48 hours of heavy monsoon rainfall, which had loosened the already fragile slopes.
The landslide swept away three houses built on the hillside. Among the five deceased were two siblings aged 7 and 9, a 70-year-old woman, and two adult men. Tragically, all the victims belonged to local farming families, highlighting the vulnerability of rural communities living in high-risk zones
A local resident, Maya Tamang, said:
“We heard a loud noise, and the hill just came crashing down. It took only a few seconds. Everything was gone.”
Rescue and Relief Efforts amid Sindhupalchok landslide
Rescue workers faced difficulties due to blocked roads and slippery conditions.
Also, heavy machinery could not reach the site immediately, so villagers stepped in and dug through the debris with shovels and their hands. They believe the missing person remains trapped under the collapsed debris.
Furthermore, rescue teams are using trained dogs and metal detectors to find signs of life.
Evacuations and Temporary Shelter for Sindhupalchok landslide casualties
As a precaution, authorities have moved over 30 families living close to the danger zone to safer locations.
The District Disaster Management Committee has distributed tents, blankets, and food.
Also, the Red Cross Society has set up medical camps for the displaced families.
Expert Opinions
Geologist Dr. Ramesh Ghimire from Tribhuvan University warned:
“Sindhupalchok lies in a landslide-prone zone. Without proper land-use planning, such disasters will only increase.”
In addition he stressed the importance of slope stabilization, early warning systems, and controlled settlement expansion.
Government Response
The Ministry of Home Affairs has released emergency funds and pledged support for victims’ families, including:Rs. 1,00,000 for each deceased victim’s family
Immediate health checkups for survivors of Sindhupalchok landslide
Survey for rebuilding safe homes after the monsoon
The local municipality has also requested long-term support to rebuild damaged roads, restore power lines, and strengthen hillsides.
Weather Forecast and Warning
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warns that rainfall will continue for the next 2–3 days in central and eastern Nepal.
Moreover authorities have issued landslide and flood alerts for Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Ramechhap, and Okhaldhunga.
So, people in high-risk areas are urged to move to safe shelters immediately.
