July 29 (NIA) – The death toll from flash floods and landslides in Nepal rose to 68 on Friday as heavy rains continued in many parts of the country, local authorities said.
Fifteen people have been reported missing while rescue teams used rubber boats and helicopters to reach out to people from rooftops and trees, Spokesman for Nepal’s Home Ministry, Yadav Koirala said.
In the western town of Butwal, 170km from Kathmandu, local TV stations showed the Tinau river washing away a huge suspension bridge. Water levels were also reaching dangerous levels along the Saptakoshi and Narayani rivers after 10 days of persistent rains.
Police said thousands have been forced to leave their homes while many houses have been swept away in several parts of the country. Many people who were injured in the landslides and floods were also seeking treatment in the state hospitals across the country.
Local media reports said that the situation had deteriorated this year as millions of Nepalis were still living in tents or makeshift huts after the devastating earthquakes that killed nearly 9000 people last year.
Floods and landslides are common in Nepal during the southwesterly monsoons which lasts from June to September.
The death toll usually runs into the hundreds each year.
