At least six pilgrims have died after being swept away by Kamala River in Sindhuli Monday morning.

The pilgrims, four of whom are said to be women, were swept away by the swollen river while trying to cross it at Gaagan area, local reports said. They were on their way to Madhu Ganga Mahadev, a Hindu shrine located at Hatpate, Sindhuli.

Chief District Officer Keshav Acharya informed that a team comprising Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel involved in rescue operations in the area have managed to fish out six bodies from the river while one person is believed to be missing.

The dead bodies were found several metres away from the area where they had entered the water to cross the river. Thirteen other who were swept away by the river were rescued alive by the locals.

Three of the deceased have been identified as Ganga Devi Nuniya and Kumiya Devi of Mahottari and Rampari Devi Ram of Sarlahi.

After the incident, the district administration has prohibited hundreds of pilgrims who have flocked the areas to pay a visit to the Lord Shiva shrine from crossing the river until further notice.

Nepal Army has also been directed to help pilgrims to safely cross the river

Source: Nepali News.com