Advertisement

At least 16 dead, dozens missing in Nepal after landslides bury villages

By Doug G. Ware

POKHARA, Nepal, July 30 (UPI) -- More than a dozen people have died already in western Nepal, officials said, after heavy rains triggered landslides that buried two villages there Thursday.

So far at least 16 people are reported dead from the slides, which are somewhat common in Nepal's mountainous regions during the monsoon months. Dozens more are missing.

Advertisement

An exact toll on the injured was not officially known, but the Indian Express reported at least 13 hurt -- while the Bangkok Post reported at least 18.

The Anadolu Agency reported at least 17 dead Thursday morning. And officials reportedly said they fear that number will rise.

Emergency crews are searching for survivors in the villages near Pokhara, which is about 125 miles west of the capital of Kathmandu, BBC News reported Thursday.

Crews are searching numerous homes that have been buried by the slides, the BBC report said, citing Nepali Chief District Officer Krishna Bahadur Raut.

"One rescue team has already reached the affected area," Raut said. "More teams are trying to reach the affected villages by removing landslides that have affected the Pokhara-Baglung highway."

Advertisement

Another official told the Indian Express that two bridges connecting the villages were washed away.

Latest Headlines