231 people lost lives due to monsoon-induced natural disasters

Kathmandu / Aug 16: At least 231 people lost their lives due to monsoon-induced natural disasters across Nepal in the past two months, officials said on Sunday.

The monsoon has taken heavy toll on human life while destroying properties worth billions in the same period. Anil Pokharel, the head of the country’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, told that 77 persons have gone missing and 66 sustained injuries in the rain-triggered flash floods and landslides in various parts of the country.

Nepal witnessed the arrival of monsoon on June 13. Most of those losing lives were killed in landslides and foods. According to Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Anil Pokhrel, in the two months of the active monsoon, 231 Nepalis lost lives while 77 went missing and 208 got injury.

60 districts across the country have been badly affected due to natural disasters while over a dozen districts remained relatively less affected.

Sindhupalchowk district is the worst-hit district in this rainy season. The district has recorded at least 24 deaths due to landslides and floods in this rainy season. Lidi village of Jugal Rural Municipality alone witnessed 18 deaths after a massive landslide hit the area on August 14. 21 persons are still missing in the area although authorities have been carrying out rescue operations for the past three days. On July 9, Jambu bazaar of Sindhupalchowk was hit by the landslides. Three persons died on the spot while 20 went missing. Various parts of Myagdi District witnessed 27 deaths in this rainy season.

Jajarkot, Kaski, Parbat, Lamjung, Gulmi, Kalikot, Palpa and Bajhang districts have been affected due to monsoon-induced natural disasters.