39 killed, thousands displaced in flood, landslides in Nepal

Kathmandu, July 27  

At least 39 persons have been killed and several others are missing as floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains wreaked havoc in Nepal displacing thousands of people.

Scores of houses and some bridges have been swept away in several parts of the country as incessant rains have swelled rivers, posing a threat of massive flooding and causing panic among the local population.

So far 39 persons were killed and 28 others missing in the past 24 hours in floods and landslides, officials were quoted as saying by Kathmandu Post.

Thousands of people have been displaced and hundreds of houses have been waterlogged after floodwaters gushed into their settlements.

Many of the deceased were earthquake victims who were living in a quake-damaged house after repair, police said.

Tens of thousands of Nepalese are still living in tents following the last year’s devastating earthquakes that killed nearly 9,000 people.

Pyuthan is among the 14 worst-hit districts where at least 11 people were killed.

In Gulmi, separate incidents of landslide have claimed at least seven lives, while five houses and three bridges have been washed away.

A swollen Tinau River destroyed a suspension bridge at Butwal-13. Around 6,000 people are at risk.

Flooded Mechi River has swept away an embankment on the Indian side. After the incident, Naksalbari, Panitanki and other Indian markets have been waterlogged, said police.

Water levels were close to dangerous levels in Saptakoshi, Narayani Rivers.

Water flow in the Saptakoshi River has crossed this year’s highest mark after continuous rainfall for the past 10 days.

Water flow in the river was measured at 277,410 cusec yesterday morning, the highest for this year. Thirty-seven of the 56 floodgates have been opened.

Water levels at Narayani River have also crossed the danger mark. Local administration has mobilised security personnel to warn people living near the river.

The government has launched rescue and relief operations in 14 of Nepal’s 75 districts that have been affected by the floods.

Soldiers and volunteers used rubber boats to rescue people marooned by the flooding, while helicopters were being used to drop food supplies. — PTI