KATHMANDU: The World Hindu Federation has expressed grief at the loss of life and property in the aftermath of the monsoon-triggered landslides and flooding in various parts of the country.

The Federation's senior Vice Chairman Arjun Prasad Bastola on Sunday issued a statement expressing grief at the losses incurred in the torrential downpour across the country continuing for the last few days.

More than 40 people have died in Sunsari, Jhapa, Sindhuli, Dang, Bardiya and Morang among other districts while more than 15 others remain unaccounted for. The floodwaters have entered settlements inundating hundreds of houses displacing thousands of people.

The Federation has also urged the government to take timely diplomatic steps in view of increasing water levels in the Koshi River stirring up the possibility of the dam giving way, which may in turn cause huge losses to the southern neighbour.

Meanwhile, the Federation has appealed to the members of the general public to rescue the stricken people and provide them with relief.