More than 50 people are missing following a massive flood in the Melamchi River in Nepal as incessant rain in the Himalayan nation has led to loss of life and property.
Nepal’s Secretary at Helambu Rural Municipality, Arjun Bhandari, told local media that out of the 50 people who are missing, 39 were workers at the Melamchi Drinking Water Project.
Pray for Sindhupalchowk.. Flood has extremely affected the lower lands of Helambu, Melamchi and Panchpokhari area. Around 100 houses are affected, some people are missing and locals are waiting for the rescue. Electricity and mobile network are also not working properly. pic.twitter.com/Zhsyh8sGNz
— Routine of Nepal banda (@RONBupdates) June 16, 2021
Above-average rainfall was recorded from Makwanpur district to Dolpo district in the South Asian country. Certain parts of Nepal also witnessed floods after continuous rain, which lasted over 24 hours between Monday and Tuesday.
Monsoon wreaks havoc in Nepal, several districts affected by incessant rain, landslides and floods. Melamchi town fully inundated. pic.twitter.com/v9ELbYGUQc
— Jitendra Bohara (@JitendraBohara1) June 16, 2021
“Incessant rainfall has raised the level of the river...We are still receiving information on the damage of properties and lives,” Prakash Sapkota, a senior police official said to local media. Kuel, Chaunate Bazar, and Melamchi Bazar have suffered massive destruction.
Scores of people are missing as rain triggered floods in the Melamchi and Indrawati rivers ravage Timbu, Chanaute, Talamarang and Melamchi bazaars in Sindhupalchowk district. Major bridges have been swept away by surging rivers. #Nepal #Floods pic.twitter.com/URY9ZWsxin
— Kamal Subedi (@Inspiredkamal) June 16, 2021
The newly-constructed road bridge connecting Melamchi Ghyang Village has also been swept away by the flood.
Nature is devastating. Sediment burying the first floor brought by the flood in Indrawati River, Nepal. pic.twitter.com/EiPUpr7lZU
— Niraj Bal (@BalNiraj) June 16, 2021
In the neighbouring country of Bhutan, at least 10 people were killed while five others were injured when a camp full of cordycep collectors was washed away in a flash flood.
Bhutan Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, while offering prayers and condolences to the bereaved families and community of Laya, said that two choppers were mobilised to evacuate the injured; a rescue team including armed forces, forestry and other officials is travelling to the site.
