200 INDIANS STRANDED IN NEPAL AS FLOOD TOLL HITS 49

KATHMANDU:Around 600 tourists, including 200 Indians, were stranded in Nepal’s popular tourist town of Chitwan due to flooding triggered by heavy rains that have claimed 49 lives, officials said on Sunday.

Heavy rains lashed Nepal for the last three days causing flooding and landslides. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, at least 13 persons were injured in the rain-related incidents and 17 others remained missing.

The latest data released by the ministry shows that 21 districts have been hit badly by the flash floods and landslides, The Himalayan Times reported.

Around 600 tourists were stranded due to flooding in Sauraha in Chitwan.

The trapped tourists include 200 Indians, 200 Nepalis and another 200 from various countries, the report said citing authorities.

The swollen Rapti and Budhirapti Rivers have inundated many hotels in the tourist destination.

Chief District Officer Narayan Prasad Bhatta said efforts were on to shift the trapped tourists to safer places.

According to data by the ministry, one person was killed in Panchthar, four in Sindhuli, Jhapa and Banke each, five in Morang, eight in Sunsari, three in Sarlahi and Surkhet each and two in Bara and Dang each. Seven persons died in Rautahat floods and landslides.