Kathmandu [Nepal], July 8: Persistent monsoon rainfall across Nepal has triggered flash floods and landslides, killing at least 14 people since Saturday, officials said.
Dan Bahadur Karki, spokesperson for Nepal Police, said at least nine people remain missing due to floods and landslides in various parts of the country.
"Our team is working in affected areas, trying to find the missing and move the affected people to safety," Karki told DPA on Sunday.
Officials have yet to assess the damage, although local media report widespread devastation from the country's southern plains near India to the mountainous regions bordering Tibet.
According to Nepal's Meteorological Department, parts of the country can expect further heavy rain and thunderstorms through Monday.
Since early June, monsoon-induced disasters, including landslides, floods, and lightning, have claimed at least 50 lives, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Massive rainfall during Nepal's monsoon season, which spans from June to September, often triggers flooding and landslides. The damage is often extensive and the results are deadly, with floods washing entire houses away.
At the same time, the rain is vital for agriculture in the country of 30 million people.
Flooding in neighbouring India and Bangladesh has also caused widespread damage and affected millions.
Monsoon rains from June to September bring widespread death and destruction every year across South Asia, but the numbers of fatal floods and landslides have increased in recent years.
Experts say climate change and increased road construction are exacerbating the problem.
Parts of Nepal have been receiving heavy rainfall since Thursday, prompting disaster management authorities in the Himalayan nation to warn of flash floods in multiple rivers.
Source: Qatar Tribune
