Monsoon floods, landslides kill 18 in Nepal

Source: CCTV.com | 07-30-2007 09:41

In Nepal, floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains in the country's south and southwest have killed at least 18 people and left tens of thousands homeless. Sunday's tragedy takes the national death toll from monsoons to almost 70.

Many more may have died in more than a week of seasonal downpours but information has been slow to reach the capital, Katmandu, as floods and landslides have cut off communications and roads in rural areas.

Officials say the government is sending rescue teams and relief supplies by helicopter to affected areas. They say resources are limited and bad weather is hampering their efforts.

More than 80,000 people are homeless because of the floods. The government's providing money and temporary shelter for those who have been forced to flee their homes.

Editor:Du Xiaodan