At least 2 killed, 26 missing in Nepal floods and landslides

 Weather forecasters have warned heavy rains would continue in Nepal in the coming days, and issued alerts over rising water levels in rivers. Nepal is at the beginning of its monsoon season

SHIRISH B. PRADHAN, PTI, 18 June, 2023, Kathmandu: At least two people were killed and 26 others went missing as floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains wreaked havoc in eastern Nepal, officials said on Sunday.

A man was found dead and 21 others working at the under-construction Super Hewa Hydropower Project in Chainpur Municipality-4 have gone missing, the Kathmandu Post newspaper quoted police officials as saying.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Birendra Godar said it is yet to be ascertained whether the workers moved to a safer location following the flood or were swept away by Hewa River, the report said.

In the neighbouring Panchthar district, a 9-year-old girl died after her house was swept away in a landslide.

Five villagers of Chainpur have also gone missing after flooding in the area, police said.

Preliminary investigation suggests the flood occurred after landslides at Chainpur Municipality-4 and Panchkhapan Municipality-9 blocked the river, the report added.

Weather forecasters have warned heavy rains would continue in Nepal in the coming days, and issued alerts over rising water levels in rivers.

Nepal is at the beginning of its monsoon season, which typically begins in June and ends in October. 

Agencies: In neighbouring Taplejung district another person died and three members of the same family were untraceable after houses were swept away in a landslide. 

"Two bodies have been recovered, but 28 people are missing," said Rishi Ram Kandel, a spokesperson for Nepali police. 

"We have intensified the search and rescue operation." Roads and bridges have been damaged, making it difficult for rescuers to access affected areas, said Mohanmani Ghimire, assistant chief district officer in Sankhuwasabha. 

"Machinery and equipment for the hydropower project have been swept away," he added. 

"There are also reports of houses being damaged." 

Forecasters in Nepal warned that the rain would continue for days and issued alerts over river water levels. Monsoon rains from June to September bring widespread death and destruction every year across the South Asian country, but the numbers of fatal floods and landslides have increased in recent years. 

Experts say climate change and greater road construction could be triggering these disasters.