2 April

A violent thunderstorm has swept through southern Nepal, leaving at least 27 people dead and more than 600 others injured.

The storm brought strong winds to southern parts of the country on Sunday night, blowing away houses and bringing down utility poles and trees.

Houses in the region were vulnerable to the storm, as many were made of materials such as brick and bamboo. A number of people are still missing, and the military and police continue searching for them.

The region often sees casualties from deluges during the monsoon season that lasts from June to August. But it is rare for the area to experience a severe storm like this well before the start of the season.

NHK