At least 17 people have been killed across Nepal after torrential monsoon rains induced floods and landslides, officials said yesterday.
Heavy rains since Thursday have hit several districts in Nepal, especially in the country’s eastern region and the southern plains.
According to figures released by Nepal’s police, 17 people have died, seven are injured and another seven have been reported missing.
Kathmandu has recorded 115mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours.
Three were killed when a wall collapsed in the capital
Kathmandu.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has urged the people in the areas around the rivers and streams to remain alert. The Home Ministry has urged the people in settlements near the rivers to move to safe zones as rainfall will continue till tomorrow.
There has been heavy rainfall across the country with Simara recording 311mm, Okhaldhunga 101mm, Dhankuta 675.5mm, and Bhairahawa 43mm in the past 24 hours. Pokhara, Dipayal, Dadeldhura and Dhangadi, however, have recorded lesser
rainfall.
“Local authorities and our security officials are all working to rescue people and bring them to safety. Helicopters are on standby if needed,” Home Ministry official Umakanta Adhikari said.
Nepal’s weather department warned on Thursday that heavy rains were expected to continue for two days, and advised people to stay alert.
Nearly 150 people died last year in Nepal during the rainy season, which typically begins in late June and lasts until the end of August.
Residents look at floodwaters after the Balkhu River overflowed following monsoon rains at the Kalanki area of Kathmandu yesterday.
