Kathmandu, August 3
The Saptakoshi floodwater has entered a town in the Udayapur district of eastern Nepal, forcing thousands of people to evacuate themselves.
As the floodwater entered the Belaka municipality in the district, locals have been leaving the town with their belongings including cattle. However, authorities are yet to decide on any safer place for them. Officials say they are looking for options.
Belaka Mayor Ashok Karki says settlements in wards 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9 of the town and some settlements in the Barahakshetra municipality in the neighbouring Sunsari district have been affected.
The Saptakoshi floodwater entering the settlements will affect at least 20,000 people, according to him.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand has directed concerned officials to expedite rescue and relief operations.
