Death toll in Nepal rises to 148 after floods, landslide hit country

NEW DELHI: The death toll from floods and landslides across Nepal climbed to 148 on Sunday, officials said on Sunday and added that the search operation is underway. According to the police, so far 43 people have been killed due to disaster-related incidents in Kathmandu Valley while 55 people are missing in floods, landslides, and inundation, and 101 people have been injured, PTI news agency reported.At least 322 houses and 16 bridges have been damaged.Over 20,000 security personnel have been mobilised to rescue people, the sources said, adding that nearly 3,626 people have been moved to safety.Till now more than 3,000 people have also been rescued so far. Nepal Police Deputy Spokesperson Bishwo Adhikari said the main highways have been blocked in 63 locations across the country, as per agency.Meanwhile, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh called an emergency meeting involving various ministers, including the Home Minister, Home Secretary, and chiefs of security agencies, instructing them to expedite search and rescue operations."Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh held an emergency meeting with several ministers, including the Home Minister and chiefs of security agencies, to expedite search and rescue operations," an official said.The government has ordered the closure of all schools across Nepal for three days and the halting of all ongoing exams.Kathmandu was out of power the entire day as the main transmission line was obstructed due to the floods, but power resumed in the evening.All entry points to Kathmandu have also been obstructed due to landslides triggered by rains.