At least 32 dead after floods in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu; another dozen are missing, police said

Floods caused by incessant rain have killed at least 32 people in Nepal’s capital, and 12 others are missing, police said on Saturday.

The rain has been heavy since Friday night and is expected to continue through the weekend. 17 people were also injured and 1,053 were rescued in Kathmandu, according to Nepal Police spokesman Bishwo Adhikari.

He said all police personnel across the country have been ordered to assist in rescue efforts.

The government had issued flood warnings across the Himalayan country warning of heavy rain.

Buses were prohibited from plying at night on highways and cars were derelict on the roads. The soldiers were ordered to be vigilant.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak told reporters that there were reports of damage in other parts of the country, and officials were still gathering information.

“The government’s priority right now is rescuing people and helping those affected,” said Lekhak.

Parts of Kathmandu were inundated by raging rivers and many houses were flooded and residents were forced to move to higher floors. A large area in the southern part of the city is flooded. A military plane was used to transport four people who could not leave their homes.

Most of Kathmandu was without power and internet for some time.

There were reports of landslides and floods in some parts of the country.

The monsoon season that brings heavy rains begins in June and usually ends in mid-September. At the beginning of this year, A landslide has swept away two passenger buses carrying more than 50 people in a raging river in central Nepal.