KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” has issued a directive to all concerned authorities to initiate an immediate search and rescue operation for individuals who are missing due to the devastating floods and landslides occurring in different regions of the country.

Eastern districts, including Taplejung, Panchthar, and Sankhuwasabha have been severely impacted by floods and landslides caused by relentless rainfall.

The incessant downpour has resulted in significant devastation in these areas.

As of now, 25 people are still missing in floods and landslides.

“I extend my deep sorrow for the immense loss of property caused by the devastating floods and landslides in several districts across the country. Additionally, I humbly request the general public for their assistance, while directing the security agencies and national service personnel to actively engage in search, rescue, and relief operations for those who are missing,” PM Dahal posted on social media on Sunday morning.

At least 16 people have gone missing in floods in the Hewakhola (river) in Nepal’s eastern district of Sankhuwasabha.

District Police Office Sankhuwasabha stated that 16 workers of the under-construction hydropower project have gone missing in the Hewa River located in Chainpur Municipality-4.

Police said that out of 19 people working in the project, 16 people have gone missing.

Three workers have been rescued.

The three rescued people have been taken to Chainpur for treatment.

The Hewakhola bridge linking Phidim-4 and Hilihang-7 along the Mechi Highway is also washed away, completely disrupting the vehicular movement along the highway, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hari Khatiwada.

Furthermore, a belli bridge along the Tamor corridor is also collapsed after the flood.

Police said that a motorable bridge in Phalelung Rural Municipality-3 is also destroyed in the flood.