Heavy Rains, Landslide Kill at Least 21 and Leave Dozens Missing in Nepal as Monsoon Season Begins

Zain Haidar
Published: June 11,2015

Taplejung district, where landslides killed dozens Thursday, is around 310 miles east of Nepal's capital Kathmandu.
(Google Maps)

Monsoon season is bringing tragedy to Nepal after months of deadly earthquakes.
The Associated Press reports that heavy rainfall triggered a landslide in the country's mountainous northeastern region Thursday, killing at least 21 people while they slept and leaving dozens missing.
Police say rescuers worked to dig out bodies and survivors in six villages in Taplejung district, about 310 miles east of Nepal's capital Kathmandu.
Along with the dead, at least 24 people are missing, and police official Shanti Raj told the Associated Press that number could rise.
(MORE: Powerful Aftershock Hits Nepal)
The New York Times reports that fog stifled early rescue operations, but helicopters are now able to reach the affected areas.
"We are trying to arrange helicopters for rescue operations," District official Surendra Bhattarai told the newspaper.
Nepal's monsoon season typically begins in June, and with it come rains that replenish crops while simultaneously endangering villagers that live on unstable ground.
Nepal suffered multiple earthquakes in April and May, killing thousands throughout the country and devastating its flimsy infrastructure.
Bhattarai said there are concerns that landslides associated with monsoon season could be worsened by the effects of the earthquakes.
MORE: Nepal Earthquakes 2015