121 Persons Killed, Missing this Summer

August 13, 2000
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Kathmandu, Aug.13: At least 121 persons have been killed or are missing in floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains in the last three months this summer, in 72 of the Kingdom’s 75 administrative districts, Home Minister Govinda Raj Joshi told the National Assembly or theupper chamber of Parliament Monday.

Earlier reports said 113 persons were killed or were missing, 8208 families were affected and

69 persons were injured in 72 districts excluding Mustang, Tehrathum and Manang this summer.

Efforts continued Monday to re-open the Prithvi Highway linking Kathmandu with the resort town of Pokhara and central Terai districts blocked by a mudslide since Friday at Krishnabir, police said.

Landslides are continuing despite efforts to clear the debris to open the Highway to traffic as hundreds of vehicles are stranded on both sides of the roadblock. Landslides blocked vehicular traffic for the second time on the Highway this summer cutting off the capital from central Terai districts.

But Tribhuvan Highway- the first road linking Kathmadu with the Terai- is open to traffic. Japan is helping to open another road link to the Terai through Sindhuli to mitigate the effect on movement of goods and people by the destruction of mountain highways by monsoon rains. Meanwhile, workers restored road links in Doti and Dandeldhura districts Saturday and were working to open highways in Kailali, Baitadi, Darchula and Bhajgang damaged by landslides.