MELAMCHI, June 16: More than 50 people are missing in a massive flood in the Melamchi River on Wednesday. A flood in western parts of Sindhupalchowk has caused a huge loss of life and property.

According to Arjun Bhandari, secretary at Helambu Rural Municipality, more than 50 people are missing as of Wednesday morning. “Of them, 39 were workers at the Melamchi Drinking Water Project.”

Police have estimated that the floods and landslides in Melamchi that started on Tuesday evening have caused extensive damage from Melamchi Bazaar to the lower coastal area through Ambathan of Helmabu Rural Municipality. “Incessant rainfall has raised the level of the river,” DSP Prakash Sapkota, information officer at District Police Office said, “We are still receiving information on damage of properties and lives.”

Kuel, Chaunate Bazar and Melamchi Bazar have suffered massive destruction.

Newly-constructed motor-able bridge connecting Melamchi Ghyang Village has also been swept away by the flood.

Nima Gyalzen Sherpa, chairperson of Helambu Rural Municipality, said the floods caused huge damage in the Helambu area. "Even though we can't say anything about the extent of the damage now, the loss of life and property is simply big," he said.

DSP Sapkota said that the building of Area Police Office, Helambu, Police Post, Talamarang was submerged. He said the police themselves were not able to reach there.

According to locals, the Chanaute bazar in Helambu is inundated. Floods and landslides in the western center of Melamchi Bazaar have caused panic. The river level has risen and the flood has penetrated the local markets. There is a risk of major humanitarian damage in the area. 

 
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