3 days ago
United States Pledges Aid as Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises
A huge flood swept through parts of Nepal near the Tibet border.
It carried water and debris through villages and damaged homes and communities.
Officials say 682 people have died and nearly 3,000 are still missing.
Rescue workers from Nepal and China are searching for survivors.
More than 100 hydropower workers may be trapped in tunnels.
Nepal’s army has sent air into one tunnel to help them.
The United States has promised more than $3.6 million in emergency assistance.
Scientists say a collapsing glacier caused the flood, although the exact reason for the collapse is not known.
Climate officials warn that a warming planet can make disasters like this more likely and severe.
The United States pledged more than $3.6 million in humanitarian aid for flood-affected communities in Nepal.
Authorities reported 682 deaths and nearly 3,000 people missing after a torrent swept through the Nepal-Tibet border region.
Rescuers are searching for victims, including more than 100 workers believed trapped at the Trishuli 3A and 3B hydropower sites.
Nepal’s army inserted an air pipe into a tunnel at Trishuli 3A and planned excavation and rescue operations.
The United States Geological Survey attributed the torrent to a glacial collapse, while the precise cause remains unclear.
- Who
- Flood victims, rescuers in Nepal and China, hydropower workers, and the United States government are involved.
- What
- Catastrophic floods killed 682 people, left nearly 3,000 missing, and prompted a United States aid pledge of more than $3.6 million.
- Where
- The disaster struck along the Nepal-Tibet border, with possible victims swept downstream into India.
- When
- The deadly torrent occurred on Wednesday; searches and aid efforts were continuing on Saturday.
- Why
- The United States Geological Survey said a glacial collapse triggered the torrent, but the precise cause of the collapse remains unclear.
Key facts
- Reported deaths
- 682 people
- People missing
- Nearly 3,000
- United States aid
- More than $3.6 million, including up to three months of emergency food assistance for up to 10,000 households
- Potentially trapped workers
- More than 100 workers may be trapped in hydropower tunnels
- Missing hydropower workers
- 933 workers were listed among those missing by the disaster authority
- Missing foreigners
- 517 foreigners, including trekkers and Hindu pilgrims, were reported missing
- Rescue locations
- Operations focused on the Trishuli 3A and Trishuli 3B hydropower sites
Quotes
US State Department
The US government department announcing humanitarian assistance to Nepal
“The United States is standing with the people of Nepal by providing more than $3.6 million worth of life-saving humanitarian assistance, including up to three months of emergency food assistance to up to 10,000 flood-affected households.”
firstpost.com
Sudan Gurung
Nepal’s home minister describing the tunnel rescue operation
“We have already started sending air through the small opening, and we will now begin excavation work and send the rescue team inside.”
firstpost.com
Simon Steill
UN climate chief commenting on climate-related disaster risks
“We also know a warming climate, driven by humanity burning colossal amounts of coal, oil and gas, is making tragedies like this one, and so many others around the world, much more likely, frequent and severe, with vulnerable communities often hardest hit.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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