June 19: Three people have lost their lives and 29 have gone missing in Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar and Taplejung districts in the floods and landslides triggered by the rains since the onset of this year’s monsoon in Koshi Province.

One person each died in the monsoon-induced disasters in Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, and Taplejung districts. Similarly, 29 individuals have gone missing in these areas, said Nepal Police's Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Kuber Kadayat.

The authorities have initiated search and rescue operations to locate the missing individuals, and three people have already been rescued in Sankhuwasabha.

The impact of the natural disasters has been severe in Panchthar district, resulting in one fatality and the disappearance of five others. The floods and landslides have damaged several bridges in the district, with some being completely swept away, while others have suffered partial destruction. Furthermore, six houses have been washed away, and a hydro power project has incurred partial damage.

Similarly, in Sankhuwasabha district, one person has lost his life, and 21 individuals are currently out of contact. The Chief District Officer, Shiva Kumar Karki, has informed that among the missing individuals, 17 were employees of the Super Hewakhola Hydro Power Project, while the remaining four were local villagers.

In Taplejung, one person lost his life and three are reported to be missing. The devastating impact of the natural disasters has also been felt in Ilam district, where landslides have significantly disrupted the lives of the people.

Likewise, landslides and floods have damaged several hydropower projects and some bridges in Sankhuwasabha and Panchthar districts. In response to calamity, search and rescue operations are actively underway to locate the missing individuals and provide aid to those affected by disasters, police said.