At least 17 people have been killed and many are still missing in different incidents of flash floods in Bhutan and Nepal on Wednesday. Local teams are still engaged in both countries for rescue works. 

In Bhutan, a flash flood hit Laya, a town in the northwestern district of Gasa, at around 1 am at night and killed ten people and injured five, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Office confirmed. Two helicopters were attached for rescuing people. Local officials are coordinating rescue works. 

At the time of the incident, peoples were reportedly camping by the riverside when the flash floods hit. 

Taking to Twitter, Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said, “I join the nation in offering prayers and condolences to bereaved families and the community of Laya.” He further urged people to avoid camping by the riverside during the monsoon. 

In a separate incident in Nepal, at least seven people have been killed and many others still missing in Sindhupalchok district of the northern province of Bagmati, reported The Himalayan Times. 

The region has been witnessing several incidents of landslides and flash floods following incessant rains in the last five days. 

Nepali Army is still conducting search and rescue operations in the district. Reports suggested many people were swept away by the Melamchi river in the district. Authorities expect to recover more bodies. 

(SAM)