At least 50 dead in Nepal’s monsoon

Floods and landslides caused by torrential monsoon rains have killed at least 50 people across Nepal while dozens more are missing, officials said yesterday. Northeast India has also been hit by floods with 11 deaths recorded as rivers burst their banks.

Heavy rains since Thursday have hit several districts in Nepal, especially in the country’s eastern region and the southern plains, affecting thousands. Nepal police spokesman Bishwaraj Pokharel said 33 people are missing while over 1,100 people have been rescued.

“We have mobilised all resources in the country for search, rescue and relief and have been able to reach all affected areas,” Pokharel said. Authorities said river levels are expected to return to normal from Monday. Monsoon rains from June to September cause widespread death and destruction across South Asia each year.