At least 27 people were killed and hundreds injured by a storm that devastated villages in two districts of southern Nepal, officials confirmed.
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli tweeted his condolences, saying, "I am deeply saddened to learn this tragedy. I pay tribute to those killed in the incident and express deep condolences to the bereaved families."
Oli tweeted that parts of Bara and Parsa districts, both of which are located near the border with India, were struck by high-speed wind and lightning.
He said the government has mobilised security personnel to carry out rescue operations in the storm-hit areas.
Media reported that hundreds of houses, public and private vehicles have been destroyed due to the devastating storm.