Seven people remain missing and more than 1,100 have been evacuated as heavy rain raises the risk of further disasters.A settlement in Saptari’s Hanumannagar Kankalini inundated by the flooding of the Koshi river. Bidyananda Ram/TKP
At least 12 people have died across Nepal in floods and landslides triggered by persistent heavy rain, with six deaths reported in the past 24 hours, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Twelve people have died in floods, landslides and heavy rain since September 24, said Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the disaster management authority.
Seven people are still missing, including one in Palpa, four in Baglung and two in Myagdi, she said.
The authority stepped up preparations after the Meteorological Forecasting Division issued warnings about heavy rainfall and potential hazards, Mahat said. Based on the level of risk, authorities identified areas under red, amber and yellow alerts and deployed teams from local administrations, security agencies and local government for preparedness and rescue operations.
A separate advisory was also issued for tourists and trekkers after forecasts indicated the possibility of heavy snowfall in mountainous areas alongside the rain, she said.
The authority has maintained regular communication with all 77 chief district officers, district police chiefs, heads of local government and other agencies involved in disaster response, Mahat said.
More than 1,100 moved to safety
The authority said several districts, including Nawalpur, Chitwan, Palpa and Parbat, faced heightened risks of flooding, riverbank erosion and landslides.
Some houses were swept away by floods in Parbat. No deaths were reported there, however, because residents of vulnerable settlements were moved to safer areas in time, Mahat said.
More than 1,100 people in the Nawalparasi area have been relocated to safer locations, she said. Rescue operations are continuing in areas affected by floods and landslides.
Two helicopters have been deployed for rescue operations in Myagdi.
The authority said local government, district administration offices and provincial government were coordinating to provide food and other essential supplies to people moved to safety after the disasters.
Rain could continue in some areas through Sunday night, Mahat said, raising the risk of further increases in river levels, floods and landslides.
20.6°C Kathmandu
