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Terai: dozens of dead and more than 100,000 people displaced by monsoon rains
by Kalpit Parajuli
Floods and landslides destroyed more than 500 houses in the country’s eastern districts. Caritas Nepal launches national campaign to help displaced people. Climate change is blamed for record rainfall since 2006.
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – Floods and landslides caused by monsoon rains killed more than 30 people and displaced tens of thousands. In Terai (southeast) and eastern Nepal, more than 500 homes were swept away and about 100,000 people had to abandon their homes. Banke, Siraha, Sarlahi and Bara are the most affected districts.
The government has sent in the army and police to help the local population. However, residents have complained of delays and inadequate aid.
Caritas Nepal and other local NGOs have launched a nation-wide campaign to collect basic items like clothes for the homeless.
Climate change is blamed for the record rainfall since 2006. The Weather Forecast Department Kathmandu Valley reported that 284 ml of rain fell last month, 20 per cent more than in June 2010.
Monsoon rains are now affecting the western part of the country. This morning, a landslide killed six members of the same family in Kaski District, including three children.