Flooding has paralyzed transport and daily life in the Kathmandu valley, where 37 people have died in a region of 4 million people, including the capital.

Nepalese authorities say students and parents are facing hardship as many school buildings damaged by heavy rains need urgent repairs.

"We have appealed to the relevant authorities to close schools in the affected areas for three days," said Lakshmi Bhattarai, a spokeswoman for Nepal's Ministry of Education.

Some areas in the capital reported up to 322.2 mm of rain, causing the main Bagmati river to rise 2.2 m above the danger level, according to experts.

The capital's meteorological officials blamed the heavy rains on a low-pressure system from the Bay of Bengal extending into neighbouring Indian regions bordering Nepal.

The impact of the heavy rains has been exacerbated by poor drainage. However, the water level of the Koshi River in southeastern Nepal has begun to recede, according to Ram Chandra Tiwari, the region’s top official.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters)