Nepal rainstorm: Death toll rises to 27, rescue operation underway

Nepal rainstorm: Death toll rises to 27, rescue operation underway

ANIUpdated: Wednesday, May 29, 2019, 12:25 AM IST
article-image
Injured Nepalese rest at a National Medical college and hospital in Birgunj, 136 kilometers (85 miles) south of Kathmandu on March 31, 2019. - At least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured after stormy weather hit southern Nepal, destroying houses, uprooting trees and toppling electricity poles, officials said. (Photo by Laurent FIEVET / AFP) |

Nepal: The death toll in a massive rainstorm that swept through many places in Nepal on Sunday rose to 27, Nepal Army spokesperson Yam Prasad Dhakal said on Monday. “Around 27 were dead and over 400 were injured in rainstorms in Nepal,” Dhakal told ANI over the phone. The security forces are on alert and two MI 17 helicopters have been kept in standby mode for deployment in case of emergency.

“We have kept two MI 17 helicopters in standby mode for deployment in case of emergency. A sky truck is ready in Simara. Over 100 army personnel have been deployed in the affected areas and rescue operations underway,” he added. Expressing deepest condolences to the victim’s families, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli wrote on his official Twitter handle: “Deepest condolences to the victims’ families are revealed. Keep the helicopter preparatory phase ready in order to help the needy. ‘Night Vision’ helicopter is ready for the preparation phase.

“According to the District Police Office in Parsa, the number of casualties is expected to rise as the storm had hit many villages in the Bara district, located about 120 km south of Kathmandu, The Himalayan Times reported. The National Emergency Operation Centre said that rescue operations would be difficult especially during the night as roads and other communication facilities in those areas have been blocked by fallen trees and electricity poles.

Meanwhile, the people who were injured during the calamity have been safely shifted to the hospital.”Two battalions have been mobilised immediately there, here in Mid Air Base, Katmandu; night vision helicopters are on standby with the rescue team. Our security agencies are waiting for favourable weather conditions [sic]”, Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor Bishnu Rimal was quoted as saying.

RECENT STORIES

SIFAS Looks To Bolster Promotion Of Indian arts As Singapore Gears Up For Premiere Of...

SIFAS Looks To Bolster Promotion Of Indian arts As Singapore Gears Up For Premiere Of...

Singapore Changi Airport’s Q1 2024 Sees Higher Passenger Traffic Than Pre-Pandemic Level

Singapore Changi Airport’s Q1 2024 Sees Higher Passenger Traffic Than Pre-Pandemic Level

Singapore: GST Amounting to SGD 319,914 Evaded, 4 Arrested With Over 2,900 Cartons of Duty-unpaid...

Singapore: GST Amounting to SGD 319,914 Evaded, 4 Arrested With Over 2,900 Cartons of Duty-unpaid...

UFO Spotted Over New York City? VIDEO Shows Mysterious 'Flying Cylinder' Gliding High In Skies 

UFO Spotted Over New York City? VIDEO Shows Mysterious 'Flying Cylinder' Gliding High In Skies 

Palki Sharma's Speech At Oxford Union Debate Goes Viral; PM Applauds

Palki Sharma's Speech At Oxford Union Debate Goes Viral; PM Applauds