Heavy monsoon rains that began on Friday wrecked havoc in districts spanning from the eastern, central to the western regions of country, resulting in loss of lives and damage to properties.

Eastern districts of Jhapa, Sunsari, Morang, Saptari and central districts of Sarlahi, Bara, Makawanpur, Sindhuli, Chitwan, Rautahat, Dhanusha were the most affected. In the mid-western region, Dang, Banke, Bardiya and Surkhet are highly affected.

Many villages and major cities of the Tarai have been inundated. Road networks have been cut off as floods have swept away sections of the East-West Highway.

The torrential rainfall that lashed the eastern region is said to be moving towards western region, according to weathermen.

Weather men have predicted that the monsoon rains that remained active for the past few days will gradually subside from Monday, providing the much-needed relief from the rainy conditions.

According to the Department of Home Ministry data, the country in July 1993 had received its record rainfall of 540mm in 24 hours with the highest hourly precipitation of 70mm.

Presently, the West Rapti at Kusum station recorded 424mm rain within eight hours, which shows the precipitation was stronger in comparison to the past, according to Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

The following photographs show havoc created by monsoon rains in various parts of the country.