224 confirmed dead in Nepal floods, landslides; national mourning declared

Kathmandu: Nepal has confirmed 224 deaths due to recent floods and landslides, with damages estimated at over 17 billion Nepali Rupees (approximately USD 127 million). Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal reported that 158 people were injured and 24 remain missing.

At a press conference, Aryal stated that 30,700 security personnel have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli announced that these efforts would conclude in two days, with over 4,000 victims already rescued.

Oli admitted that the government did not foresee the extent of devastation caused by the continuous monsoon rains that hit the region on Friday and Saturday. In response to the tragedy, a three-day national mourning period began on Tuesday, during which national flags have been lowered to half-mast.

Agency