Monsoon rains cause floods and landslides in western Nepal, at least 13 killed

KATHMANDU, NEPAL (BNO NEWS) -- Rain-triggered landslides in Nepal killed at least thirteen people on Tuesday, while thirteen others went missing in floods, local media reported.

The landslides took place in the far-western districts of Achham, Baitadi, and Dailkeh, burying a number of houses and families living inside, as the seasonal monsoon rains have begun taking toll, Nepal News reported.

The first deadly landslide took place on Tuesday morning at around 7 a.m. local time in Malika-2, Dailekh, located in the Bheri Zone of the country's Mid-Western Development Region. A 30-year-old man identified as Mohan Kumal and six members of his family were buried alive.

In the second incident, which took place in Siddheshwor VDC of Baitadi district in the Mahakali Zone, another four people belonging to the same family lost their lives after being buried by another landslide. The fatal victims were identified as Ram Singh Airee's wife, son, daughter, brother and sister-in-law.

A third landslide buried a residential house, killing Anisha Bogati and her 4-year-old daughter Rabina Bogati in Kuntibandali VDC-3 of Achham district in Nepal's Seti Zone. Anishaâs husband Min Bahadur and their two sons were able to escape, and only suffered minor injuries.

Meanwhile, the heavy rainfall also brought strong flooding in different regions of Kalikot District. Authorities said thirteen people were reported missing in the affected areas.

Nepal's Interior Ministry launched search-and-rescue operations in the region, deploying helicopters and emergency workers, as well as relief kits for those affected by the heavy weather conditions.

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