4 days ago
Nepal Flood Toll Rises as Tunnel Rescue Efforts Intensify
Powerful flash floods hit several parts of Nepal and destroyed roads, bridges and buildings.
Officials said the death toll reached 675 on Saturday, although an earlier report had put it at 579.
More than 4,450 people have been rescued, but thousands are still missing or cannot be contacted.
Some workers may be trapped inside tunnels and underground powerhouses at hydropower projects.
India sent doctors and tunnel-rescue experts, while China sent six tunnel specialists from Tibet.
The United Kingdom also sent a team to help its citizens.
Many recovered bodies have not yet been identified, so families are waiting for answers.
Nepal’s morgues ran out of space and temporary storage was needed.
Officials are also collecting fingerprints, photographs and DNA samples to identify the dead.
Nepal said international help would be needed for rescue, relief and rebuilding.
Nepal’s reported flood death toll rose from 579 on Friday to 675 on Saturday, while 2,426 people remained unaccounted for.
More than 4,450 people, including 261 foreign nationals and tourists, were rescued from areas affected by the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli floods.
More than 100 people may be trapped in tunnels and hydropower projects, while figures for missing hydropower workers vary between authorities.
India and China sent tunnel-rescue specialists, while the United Kingdom deployed a team to support its 33 nationals in Nepal.
Bodies remained largely unidentified and morgues exceeded capacity as Nepal requested technology, forensic support and facilities for the continuing recovery effort.
- Who
- Nepalese authorities, rescue teams, affected residents, hydropower workers and foreign nationals; India, China, the United Kingdom and other countries are providing assistance.
- What
- Devastating flash floods killed at least 675 people, left 2,426 unaccounted for and triggered continuing rescue, recovery and relief operations.
- Where
- Flood-affected districts along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems in Nepal, including Chitwan, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading and Nawalparasi.
- When
- The latest toll and rescue update was reported on Saturday, three days after the floods; an earlier Friday update reported 579 deaths.
- Why
- The floods destroyed infrastructure, buried tunnel entrances and hydropower sites, displaced people and carried bodies far downstream.
Risk warnings and international assistance
Operational decisions and government response
Barrier-lake flood risk
Risk warnings and international assistance
Nepal’s hydrology authorities and Chinese officials warned that a newly formed barrier lake could overflow or breach, creating another downstream flood risk.
Operational decisions and government response
Nepal and China briefly suspended rescue work but resumed it after assessing that the risks from the lake and widened riverbeds were manageable.
Need for foreign support
Risk warnings and international assistance
Nepal has requested specialized international help, including tunnel-detection technology, blocked-tunnel support, forensic analysis and mortuary facilities.
Operational decisions and government response
The Nepalese government rejected reports that it had refused international assistance and said the scale of destruction required foreign help for rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Key facts
- Latest reported death toll
- 675 people on Saturday
- People unaccounted for
- 2,426
- People rescued
- More than 4,450, including 261 foreign nationals and tourists
- Potentially trapped workers
- More than 100 people feared trapped in tunnels and hydropower projects
- Hydropower workers unaccounted for
- The Independent Power Producers’ Association reported 934 people linked to 11 projects, while other authorities gave different figures
- Indian assistance
- More than 57 tonnes of relief material and an 11-member team including medical personnel and tunnel-rescue experts
- Reconstruction estimate
- Nepal’s finance minister estimated a potential cost of $4 billion to $5 billion
Quotes
S Jaishankar
India’s External Affairs Minister
“A third flight carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance has departed for Kathmandu. The assistance includes portable generator sets, dignity kits, food packets and water purification tablets.”
indianexpress.com
“An 11-member team of doctors, paramedics & recce team for tunnel rescue operations is also on-board. India continues to support Nepal’s ongoing relief and rescue efforts”
indianexpress.com
Baburaj Maharjan
Executive director of Chilime Hydropower Company
“We have not been able to carry out a rescue. The tunnel is filled with mud, and it is impossible to enter.”
telegraphindia.com
“We are working to mobilise a rock-climbing rescue team.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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