62 deaths in rain-related incidents in Nepal within one month

At least 62 people have been killed and 90 others injured in rain-related incidents across Nepal in the past four weeks since the start of the monsoon season, according to Home Ministry officials on July 7.

The main causes of these monsoon-related deaths are landslides, floods and lightning strikes, it said.

Thirty-four people were killed in landslides and 28 died in floods caused by persistent rains. In addition, seven people are missing in connection with these natural disasters, authorities said.

The heavy rains and the resulting floods and landslides have also caused significant property damage. At least 121 houses were flooded and 82 others damaged. A total of 1,058 households were left homeless across the country as a result of the natural disasters.

In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has directed all government mechanisms to give top priority to protecting lives affected by monsoon floods, landslides and floods.

During a meeting at the Singha Durbar Control Room on Sunday, the Prime Minister directed all state authorities to focus on rescue and relief efforts for the citizens affected by these natural disasters.

He also urged all citizens to remain vigilant in the face of possible disasters and called on political parties, civil society and social organizations to work together to mitigate disaster risks and ensure the safety of citizens.

Meanwhile, all the sluices of the Gandak Dam were opened after the water level of the Narayani River rose above the warning mark, news portal MyRepublica reported.

The water flow in Gandak Dam was recorded at 440,750 cubic feet per second at 7:00 am.

Citing the Saptakoshi Water Monitoring Centre, the report said 41 sluice gates of the Koshi Dam were opened after the water level reached the warning level.