Toll expected to double to 50 in tornado

The death toll in a major storm, suspected to be a tornado, that hit villages in the plains of southern Nepal along the Indian border on Sunday evening is expected to be at least double of the official estimates so far.

Till midnight on Sunday, officials had put the death toll at 25 with more than 400 injured, however survivors at hospitals in Birganj and elsewhere told Himalmedia the death toll could be much higher.

Reports from outlying villages have not yet come in, transportation has been disrupted due to fallen trees and power lines. Telecommunication has also been affected.

Nepal Army had a helicopter on standby in Kathmandu at night, but due to continued bad weather the aircraft could not be sent. The government said it had sent relief material and shelter by road early Monday morning from Kathmandu, and deployed two units of the Nepal Army for rescue.

Most of the deaths and injuries were caused by houses being demolished by the high winds, trees falling on at least one bus, cars being blown away, and by flying debris. Most people were indoors to take shelter from the storm, and were preparing for their supper.

Many of the dead are said to be women and children. Province 2 officials have called for urgent blood donations. The worst affected villages are in Pheta, Parwanipur and Bharbalia in Bara.

Local hospitals have run out of beds for the wounded, and many are lying on the floor in mattresses. CDO of Bara Narayan Bhattarai said: “It was a very strong wind, it toppled vehicles and buses, and most of the dead and wonded are in Bara, although Parsa was also affected. Police is in full search and rescue mode.