4 days ago
Nepal Glacier Flood Survivors Recount Devastating Losses
A large piece of ice from a glacier fell in northern Nepal.
This caused a river to suddenly become a huge, fast-moving flood of mud and rocks.
The flood destroyed many homes, roads, bridges, schools and fields.
Around 550 people were reported dead, and more than 1,400 were missing.
Many survivors were taken to safety by helicopters.
One man, Dawa Lama, said the flood carried away his wife and two young daughters.
Another survivor escaped by running up a hillside.
The Nepal Army said it would keep searching for people for several more days.
A huge glacier collapse triggered a flash flood and mudslide in northern Nepal on Wednesday.
The disaster reportedly killed around 550 people and left more than 1,400 missing.
The Bhote Koshi river destroyed homes, schools, roads, bridges, fields and shops along the border with Tibet.
Survivor Dawa Lama said the flood swept away his wife and two daughters in Timure.
The Nepal Army rescued about 500 survivors and continued searching for others from its base in Dhunche.
- Who
- Residents of northern Nepal, including survivors such as Dawa Lama and Bhushan Thakur, were affected; the Nepal Army led rescue efforts.
- What
- A glacier collapse triggered a deadly flash flood and mudslide that devastated communities along the Bhote Koshi river.
- Where
- The disaster affected northern Nepal near the Tibet border, including Timure, while rescues were coordinated from Dhunche.
- When
- The flood struck just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday; survivors were being transported and interviewed on Thursday.
- Why
- A huge chunk of glacier fell into or near the river, producing a rapidly moving surge of muddy water and pulverized rock.
Key facts
- Reported deaths
- Around 550 people
- Reported missing
- More than 1,400 people
- Rescue base
- Dhunche, about 12 kilometers from the Tibetan border
- Survivors found
- About 500 by midafternoon Thursday, in addition to 200 rescued the previous day
- Search duration
- Rescuers expected to continue for another three or four days
- Infrastructure damage
- A major Nepal-Tibet highway, homes, schools, fields, roads and bridges were largely destroyed
- Communications
- Electricity and phone networks were unavailable at the Dhunche base, so military radio sets were used
Quotes
Bhushan Thakur
A 38-year-old hairdresser who escaped the approaching flood by running up a hillside.
“We jumped, and jumped, otherwise, we would have died.”
telegraphindia.com
“How long can I remain in hope, I don’t know”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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