Floods and landslides inflict over Rs. 11 billion in losses in Ilam

By Kokila Dhakal,Ilam, Nov. 5: The floods and landslides that struck Ilam on October 4, 2025, have caused damages worth over Rs. 11.81 billion, according to official assessments. 

The worst-affected sectors include electricity, irrigation, drinking water and agriculture.

The Irrigation Division Office reported that the rainfall on October 4 and 5, as well as subsequent rains on October 28, caused around Rs. 950 million in losses to irrigation infrastructure across the district.

Similarly, the Federal Drinking Water Office said that 29 drinking water projects in Ilam were damaged, with losses estimated worth about Rs. 283 million.

The Nepal Electricity Authority’s Ilam office estimated damage worth around Rs. 17.6 million to the electrical infrastructure, while reconstruction is expected to cost about Rs. 24.7 million.

According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Ilam, the agricultural sector suffered losses worth Rs. 273.9 million. About 3,400 farmers lost an estimated 3,020 metric tonnes of crops cultivated on 892 hectares of land. In addition, agricultural infrastructure, excluding irrigation, sustained damages worth Rs. 3.8 million.

In the disaster on October 4, 39 people died in landslides, and one person is still missing. 

According to the District Administration Office, 338 houses have been completely destroyed and 828 partially damaged. A total of 449 families have been displaced, 11 families are taking shelter in community buildings, while others are staying with relatives or neighbours.

Traffic along the Mechi Highway has also been severely affected, as the section above Rajduwali-Maikhola remains blocked by landslides