Toll in Nepal floods and landslides goes to 77

Kathmandu, July 29: Floods and landslides in Nepal have killed at least 77 people while hundreds of others were forced to flee their homes as torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc in the country, prompting deployment of the army for rescue and relief operations.

Heavy rains have caused massive floods and landslides in in many parts of the country, putting thousands of lives at risk.

Scores of houses and bridges have been swept away in several parts of the country as incessant rains have swelled rivers.

Since Monday, at least 77 people have been killed in floods and landslides, the Kathmandu Post reported. Nine persons are still missing.

The worst-hit district was Pyuthan, where at least 36 have died and dozens of houses have been swept away.

Around 200 families have been displaced due to floods and landslides, officials said.

Floods have also swept away four micro-hydropower projects, police said.

Most of the affected people were earthquake victims who were living in quake-damaged houses 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.

Government authorities scrambled to put in place a disaster management system.

Army personnel have been deployed for rescue and relief operations in 14 flood affected districts.

Soldiers and volunteers used rubber boats to rescue people marooned by the flooding, while helicopters are being used to drop food supplies.

Over 600 flood victims who were stranded since Monday night due to flooding in Rapti river in Chaupheri village in Banke were rescued yesterday.

Water levels in Narayani River crossed the danger mark yesterday.

Residents living in the surrounding areas have moved to higher grounds. All the floodgates of the Gandak Barrage bordering India have been opened.

However, water levels were now slowing receding in Koshi river.

PTI