JHAPA, August 14: Seven people have lost their lives so far after heavy floods swept away homes in Jhapa on Friday. Three more dead bodies were found on Monday, besides the four that were recovered on Sunday. Police said that the death toll could rise as five people were still missing.

Among the dead are Dhan Maya Ghorsane, Kamala Darlami and her daughter Khusi Darlami as well as an unidentified Muslim woman from Jhapa Municipality. Meanwhile the bodies of Bijay Pandey of Shivasatakshi Municipality, Pawan Rajbhansi of Kechankawal Rural Municipality and Taposh Mandal of Damak Municipality were found on Monday.

"Search for the missing is still going on. As the weather changes, the water level will recede which will make it easier to find them." said Jhapa's Chief District Officer, Rishi Ram Tiwari.

The rainfall stopped on Sunday afternoon, giving some respite to the flood victims in Jhapa. Lok Raj Dhakal, president of Red Cross Jhapa, currently coordinating rescue and relief program, said, "Despite the water level receding , the soil will still be eroded caused by the previous floods."

According to the District Administration Office, Jhapa, 1,952 families have been affected by the floods. Out of them, 1,872 families have been displaced. The displaced families are taking shelter at nearby schools, temples, party palaces and other public buildings. CDO Tiwari said that various local organizations, Red Cross as well as the local government have helped distribute food items as well as provide shelter to the victims. 

"If the weather continues to improve then the displaced ones would be able to go back to their homes within three to four days," he said.

CDO Tiwari said that they were unable to collect data regarding damages as they were focused on providing relief and rescue to the victims. 

Electricity supply and Internet serviced have been interrupted since Saturday. Factories have been affected by the disruption in electricity supply. Eight daily newspapers have discontinued publication as there is no electricity. More than a dozen FM radio stations have gone off air. 

 
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