Nepal: 88 people die as heavy rain triggers landslides and flash floods

The toll from flood and landslide due to heavy rain in Nepal rose to 88 on Thursday, PTI reported. Thirty people have been reported missing, according the country’s Disaster Management Division.

The highest number of deaths were recorded in the eastern district of Panchthar where 27 people have died. People also died in the districts of Kalikot, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Bajhang, Humla, Solukhumbu, Pyuthan, Dhankuta, Morang, Sunsari and Udayapur.

The government has announced a compensation of Rs 1.2 lakh to the families of the deceased, Reuters reported.

The highways in the country were blocked and the Biratnagar airport’s tarmac was submerged leading to cancellation of flights. The rice paddy harvest has been damaged due to heavy rains.

“Crops and homes have been wiped out, which is a severe blow to families already grappling with the devastating fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Azmat Ulla of the International Federation of Red Crescent Societies in Nepal, AP reported.

On Thursday, Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba visited the flood-affected areas in the western part of the country and directed the authorities to speed up rescue, relief and rehabilition of the citizens.

Home Minister Balkrishna Khand on Thursday asked the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department and Nepal Army to rescue the foreign tourists stuck in…

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