Sunday, July 29, 2007

Flood leaves thousands stranded; four more killed

Flood leaves thousands stranded; four more killed

Flood triggered by torrential monsoon rainfall has continued to strike the southern plains from east to west across the country.

Four more persons have perished due to flood and landslide. Taraba Urau, a 50-year-old woman, was swept away by a swollen canal in Banigama of Morang district on Thursday night. Likewise, a lady died after being crushed by a house that collapsed due to flooding in Khadihani of Dhanusha district.

A boy was killed by flood in Mahottari district while another perished in a landslide in Ramechhap.

Kantipur daily has reported that over 14,000 families have been displaced due to flood in various parts of the country. It reported that 8000 families were displaced in eastern Terai and hilly region; 2500 families were displaced in Bardiya district; 2000 families in Parsa; and 1500 families in Banke district.

Nepalgunj has been one of the worst affected regions. The city is waterlogged and flood waters have rushed inside homes. Educational institutions, factories, government offices, schools and markets are closed down. The city has been reeling under power black-out since last two days. Even water supply has been affected. Local FM radio broadcasts and newspapers coming out of the city have also stopped. People have rushed towards higher grounds – rooftops and community buildings – fearing inundation.

Meanwhile, according to reports quoting Home Ministry records, around 50 persons have already died in this year's monsoon season due to floods and landslides. nepalnews.com sd Jul 28 07

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