64 die in Nepal as rains trigger floods, landslide

 Kathmandu, July 27 

At least 64 persons have been killed and several others missing as floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains wreaked havoc in Nepal displacing thousands of people.

Scores of houses and 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.

At least 64 persons have died in various parts of the country over the last two days, police said.

Pyuthan is among the 14 worst-hit districts where at least 36 people have died in floods and landslides.

The toll increased in the district after 17 persons who were earlier reported missing following a landslide were found to be dead.

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.

Water levels were close to dangerous levels in Saptakoshi and 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.

All sluice gates in the Gandak Barrage bordering India have been opened after the water level in Narayani river crossed the danger mark.

The gates were opened to allow release of water so that the risk in the barrage and upstream region could be minimised About 34 houses were inundated in Nawalparasi district due to the swelling river. — PTI