Torrential rain in Nepal and India, more than 40 dead in several landslides
Rescue operations were hampered by bad weather
At least 42 people have died as a result of landslides caused by torrential rains that have hit the Koshi province in eastern Nepal since last night. This was reported by the Press Trust of India news agency, which also reported that in the neighbouring Indian state of West Bengal, at least seven people died on Saturday from another large landslide caused by the incessant rains that also affected the Darjeeling district. In Nepal, five people died in Manebhanjyang, Suryodaya municipality, Ilam district, and nine others were killed in the areas of Pategaun, Mansebung, Deuma, Dhusuni, Ratmate and Ghosang, police reported.
The Nepalese army sent a helicopter for rescue operations and troops were deployed to the affected areas. However, rescue operations have been hampered by bad weather. Even in India, the death toll is still not final 'as rescue and relief operations have only just begun', Richard Lepcha, head of the Darjeeling subdivision, told the newspaper.
