Nepalese villages are swept away by heavy rainfall and landslides, leaving at least 44 dead

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Landslides, a lighting strike and floodings triggered by severe rainfall killed at least 44 people in Nepal on Sunday, with five others reported missing, authorities said.

Those killed included at least 37 people in the eastern mountain district of Illam, where whole villages were swept away by landslides, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said. Several other people are still missing.

Heavy rainfall was reported since Friday in the district, which borders India and is known for growing tea.

Six people in the same family were killed when a landslide crushed their home while they slept, Illam’s assistant administrative officer Bholanath Guragai said.

Rainfall was hampering efforts to reach the villages and many roads were swept away or blocked by the landslides.

The government said helicopters were also evacuating people needing medical evacuations and ground troops were helping move people to safer areas.

One more person was killed in landslide in a neighboring district.

Three people in another district were killed as they were struck by lightning, while three more people died in flooding in southern Nepal.

Nepal's government issued a severe rainfall warning in the eastern and central parts of the country from Saturday to Monday, while shutting down major highways. All domestic flights were grounded on Saturday by aviation authorities because of heavy rainfall and poor visibility but were reopened on Sunday.

The major highways connecting the capital, Kathmandu, with other areas were closed by the authorities as some parts were blocked by landslides and others were shut as a precautionary measure.

By Sunday evening, one route was partially opened for traffic.

The blockage of roads and transport came as hundreds of thousands of people were returning to Kathmandu after celebrating Dashain, the biggest festival in the Himalayan nation. Thursday was the main day of the two-week festival when people travel to their home villages to be with their families.

Highways were clogged with vehicles on Sunday, as the government assessed the situation.

In Kathmandu, some areas near the river were flooded but no major damage or casualties were reported.

The government had declared a national holiday until Monday because of the heavy rainfall.

Flooding and landslides last year around the same time killed 224 people and left 158 injured.

Neighboring India, which surrounds landlocked Nepal on three sides, has offered to help.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said on social platform X that the loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rains in Nepal are distressing.

“We stand with the people and Government of Nepal in this difficult time,” he said. “As a friendly neighbor and first responder, India remains committed to providing any assistance that may be required.”

There was no comment from Nepal on the offer.

The weekend's heavy rainfall arrived at the end of Nepal’s monsoon season, which usually begins in June and ends by mid-September.

Nepalese army personnel carry a survivor from Nepal's eastern mountain district of Illam after landslides swept through the area in Illam, Nepal, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Nepal Army via AP)

Nepalese army personnel search for survivors after landslides swept through Nepal's eastern mountain district of Illam, Nepal, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Nepal Army via AP)

Nepalese army personnel rescue a child survivor following a flood in Jhapa district east of Nepal, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Nepal Army via AP)

Nepalese army personnel get ready to rescue survivors after a flood in Jhapa district east of Nepal, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Nepal Army via AP)

Nepalese army personnel transport survivors after a flood in Jhapa district east of Nepal, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Nepal Army via AP)

HANOI, Vietnam--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 18, 2025--

Global technology corporation FPT today announced an exclusive partnership with FutureTEC, a leading regional IT solutions provider, to deliver advanced technology solutions across Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Through this strategic alliance, the two companies will combine FPT’s global delivery capabilities and innovation leadership with FutureTEC’s strong regional market presence, client trust, and operational excellence, enabling enterprises and government organizations in these markets to achieve sustainable growth and digital transformation.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251117607042/en/

The agreement designates FutureTEC as FPT’s exclusive partner in the region for selected service areas, while FPT provides comprehensive delivery capabilities to support FutureTEC’s client engagements and multi-year growth targets. The collaboration spans six core technology domains: Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud and Platforms, No/Low-Code Platforms, Hyperautomation (including RPA), Digital Customer Experience, and Strategy Consulting. It also targets a wide range of key regional industries, including Government, Oil & Gas, Banking & Financial Services (BFSI), Aviation, and Healthcare.

Phuong Dang, FPT Software Senior Executive Vice President and FPT Americas Chief Executive Officer, FPT Corporation, said: “FPT is actively embracing an AI-first strategy to shape the digital future through intelligence, scale, speed, and expertise — a direction that closely aligns with the Middle East’s growing focus on AI innovation. Since entering the region in 2020, we’ve witnessed its immense potential, and by combining our global reach and AI-powered solutions with FutureTEC’s local insights, we are confident that we can turn global innovation and expertise into regional success.”

Feras Al-Oqlah, CEO of FutureTEC, added: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in FutureTEC’s growth journey. By combining our deep regional expertise and trusted relationships across Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain with FPT’s global delivery excellence and innovation capabilities, we are creating a powerful platform to deliver next-generation digital solutions that drive business value, resilience, and sustainable transformation for our clients.”

Since establishing its first office in the Middle East in 2020, FPT has rapidly expanded its footprint, securing key clients across multiple sectors and driving significant regional growth. The company recently obtained the Regional Headquarters license for its operations in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, becoming the first Vietnam-based enterprise authorized for regional operations in the kingdom.

FPT’s AI-first approach, embedded across all services and solutions, aligns with the Middle East’s agenda for digital innovation, smart cities, and technology-driven economic diversification. Leveraging its global expertise, the tech firm is well-positioned to accelerate digital transformation, support the region’s ambitious development goals, and foster strong collaborations with local partners to create sustainable, long-term impact.

About FPT

FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam and operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. Over more than three decades, FPT has consistently delivered impactful solutions to millions of individuals and tens of thousands of organizations worldwide. As an AI-first company, FPT is committed to elevating Vietnam’s position on the global tech map and delivering world-class AI-enabled solutions for global enterprises. FPT focuses on three critical transformations: Digital Transformation, Intelligence Transformation, and Green Transformation. In 2024, FPT reported a total revenue of USD 2.47 billion and a workforce of over 54,000 employees across its core businesses. For more information about FPT's global IT services, please visit https://fptsoftware.com

About FutureTEC

Founded in 2005, FutureTEC is a leading regional IT solutions provider operating across Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. The company delivers end-to-end technology solutions and services spanning Cybersecurity, Infrastructure & Cloud, and Data & AI. Through strategic partnerships with global technology leaders, FutureTEC empowers enterprises and government organizations to achieve operational excellence, digital resilience, and sustainable growth. With two decades of proven expertise and a commitment to innovation, FutureTEC continues to play a key role in advancing digital transformation across the region. www.futuretec.me

FPT and FutureTEC Forge Exclusive Partnership for Middle East Digital Growth