Kathmandu, May 6 (IANS): At least 15 people have been killed and dozens of others are still missing in Nepal following an avalanche in the country' Annapurna range which triggered a massive flood in the Seti river Saturday, local media reports said.
The flood caused massive destruction to human settlements around the area in Kaski district. With Saturday being a holiday in the country, many people were enjoying their leisure time when the flood created havoc.
According to reports Sunday, the number of missing people is estimated to be over 30 which include three Russians, Xinhua reported.
Five people were reportedly rescued. However, the recovered bodies were yet to be identified due to their bad condition caused by flood.
The toll is feared to rise.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai visited the affected region Sunday morning. He instructed rescue operators while assuring relief for the victims.
People were terrorised as the flood was moving towards Pokhara, Nepal's second largest city located about 200 km from capital Kathmandu, Deputy Inspector General of Police Rajendra Bhandaree said Saturday.