Severe thunderstorm claims at least 35 lives, leaves more than 600 injured, Nepal
A severe thunderstorm swept through parts of southern Nepal on Sunday night, March 31, 2019, leaving at least 35 people dead and over 600 injured. Search and rescue operations are still in progress and the death toll could rise.
The rain was accompanied with strong winds that destroyed homes, downed trees and powerlines and overturned cars.
The worst affected was Bara District, near the border with India, a police official said. At least 28 people were killed there.
The victims were either killed after getting buried under the rubble of houses and metal roofs while sleeping or due to coming in contact with live wires.
The majority of over 600 injured were from Pheta and Bhupathi Bharwaliya areas in Bara.
"The storm destroyed everything in its path. Houses have no roofs and trees are all down," one of the volunteers said.
Search and rescue operations continue and police officials say the death toll could rise.
Featured image credit: WION
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