Heavy monsoon rains in Nepal caused flooding and landslides near Kathmandu, raising the death toll to at least 129, with dozens still missing, AP News reports.
Heavy rains over three days caused landslides that buried vehicles, including buses headed to the capital, with 37 bodies recovered. Kathmandu remains cut off, as landslides have blocked all highways leading to the city. Flooding hit the southern part of Kathmandu particularly hard, with 34 deaths reported in the city. Around 86 people have been injured, and 62 are still reported missing across the country, according to the police. The death toll is expected to increase as reports come in from remote villages across Nepal’s mountainous regions.
The government has closed schools and colleges for the next three days to focus on rescue and relief efforts. The monsoon season, which typically brings heavy rains and flooding, started in June and is expected to last until mid-September.
