10 dead, 26 missing in recent landslides and floods

Published On: June 20, 2023 02:24 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, June 20: With the onset of monsoon this year, 10 people have been killed in natural disasters so far.

Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said that 10 people have lost their lives in the disasters so far.

He said, “Monsoon entered Nepal this year on June 14, 2023. Its effect has been seen more in the eastern hilly districts of Nepal including Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, and Panchthar.

He further mentioned, “Due to the incessant rain since the night of June 17, some people have died and some have been injured while some have gone missing in Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Panchthar and other districts of the eastern part of the country due to floods and landslides. As of now, 10 deaths have been reported, 26 people are missing, and 6 are injured in the disasters. Additionally, it has been reported that 54 houses have been fully damaged. Further details are yet to be received.”

Home Minister Shrestha has said that according to the Disaster Rescue and Relief (Seventh Amendment) Criteria of 2077 BS, arrangements have been made to provide relief to the families of the deceased. He said that funds will be provided to the affected households for immediate rehabilitation according to the same criteria.

He stated, "According to the Disaster Rescue and Relief (Seventh Amendment) Criteria, if there is one death in the family of the deceased and additional deaths of other individuals in the same family, relief will be provided at the rate of Rs 200,000 for the first person and Rs 100,000 for each additional person.

For those who have suffered household damage, arrangements have been made to provide immediate relief of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per family according to the criteria. Other provisions regarding immediate search, rescue, and relief are also being made."

He said that the government is working in coordination with all agencies concerned including the local governments for relief, rescue and rehabilitation.