An elephant carries fodder along a busy road in Kathmandu, Nepal.
© iStockphoto.com/fotoVoyager
— Heavy rains in Nepal triggered landslides, lightning, and flash floods that killed at least 47 people, with several missing, officials said. Prime Minister Sushila Karki declared nationwide public holidays for Sunday, October 5, and Monday, October 6, 2025, urging people to avoid nonessential travel.
In Nepal and neighboring countries, emergency holidays during severe weather are often used to reduce civilian travel, free roads for rescue teams, and keep public workers available for relief efforts. Such holidays function as safety measures and signals of national solidarity during crises.