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Death toll climbs after bridge swept away by raging floodwater

A bystander has recorded the moment a suspension bridge in Nepal was swept away by raging floodwaters, triggered by monsoon rains that have killed at least 54 people.

Flooding and landslides across the country have destroyed more than 2000 homes and left at least 20 people unaccounted for, Home Ministry spokesman Yadav Prasad Koirala said.

The bridge over the Tinau River collapses into the floodwater. Photo: Supplied
The bridge over the Tinau River collapses into the floodwater. Photo: Supplied
The bridge disappears into the swollen river. Photo: Supplied
The bridge disappears into the swollen river. Photo: Supplied

The suspension bridge over the Tinau River in the city of Butwal was sent crashing into the swollen river below after the water eroded away the foundations.

The rising river has put the lives of more than 6000 nearby residents in danger, according to The Weather Channel.

Hundreds of families have been displaced while volunteers and emergency teams work to rescue the injured and stranded.

75 districts in Nepal have been hit by severe flooding.

Nepalese army personnel rescue flood victims on July 26. Photo: AFP
Nepalese army personnel rescue flood victims on July 26. Photo: AFP

The relentless rainfall comes 15 months after a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed more that 5500 people north of Kathmandu.

Tens of thousands of locals are still living in tents after the April 2015 disaster destroyed their homes.

News break – July 28