6 days ago
Nepal Flash Flood Death Toll Rises as Hundreds Remain Missing
An avalanche made of ice, rocks and mud blocked a river in Nepal.
Water built up behind the blockage and then suddenly burst through nearby communities.
The flood started near Timure, close to the Nepal-China border.
It swept away homes, vehicles, people and animals.
Reports say at least 157 people died, while another report puts the death toll at 270.
More than 800 people may be missing, but the numbers are changing because communications are broken.
Many tourists, pilgrims and security workers cannot be contacted.
Rescue teams are using helicopters, boats and medical teams to help survivors.
They have also recovered bodies from two rivers and are working to identify them.
An ice-rock avalanche blocked the Lhende tributary, triggering a debris-filled flash flood in Nepal.
The surge began near Timure and swept through several districts before entering the Trishuli River.
Reported deaths range from at least 157 to 270, while more than 800 people may be missing.
The disaster damaged roads, bridges, homes, banks and at least nine hydropower projects.
Rescue teams recovered 64 bodies and body parts from the Trishuli and Narayani rivers as relief operations continued.
- Who
- Residents, tourists, pilgrims, Indian nationals, security personnel and other travelers were affected; Nepalese rescue agencies and Indian authorities are assisting.
- What
- A sudden flash flood killed at least 157 people according to one report and 270 according to another, left hundreds or more than 800 people missing, and caused extensive damage.
- Where
- The flood began near Timure and Rasuwagadhi along the Nepal-China or Nepal-Tibet border, then affected Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan districts and the Trishuli and Narayani rivers.
- When
- The disaster struck on Wednesday; rescue and relief operations were continuing on Thursday.
- Why
- An ice-rock avalanche and landslide debris blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhote Koshi River, causing a sudden outburst; reports said there was no rainfall in the area at the time.
Lower Official Counts and Cautious Assessments
Higher Toll Reports and Warnings of Further Losses
Casualty and missing-person figures
Lower Official Counts and Cautious Assessments
One report cites at least 157 deaths, 391 missing tourists and 44 missing security personnel. Authorities say the figures are still being verified and may change.
Higher Toll Reports and Warnings of Further Losses
Another report cites at least 270 deaths and more than 800 missing people, warning that the toll could rise as inaccessible areas are reached.
Cause and warning concerns
Lower Official Counts and Cautious Assessments
Reports describe the disaster as a sudden avalanche-driven outburst, with no rainfall in the area and little warning for residents.
Higher Toll Reports and Warnings of Further Losses
Former Nepal minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain questioned whether better information-sharing between China and Nepal could have reduced the human toll.
Key facts
- Reported death toll
- At least 157 in one report; 270 in another
- Missing or uncontactable people
- More than 800 reported missing by Nepal’s disaster authority; 391 tourists and 44 security personnel listed in another report
- Bodies recovered
- 64 bodies and body parts from the Trishuli and Narayani rivers
- Hydropower projects affected
- At least nine
- Road damage
- Around 40 kilometers of roads wiped out
- Indian nationals uncontactable
- 288, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs
- Indian relief aid
- A second shipment of 37.5 tonnes followed an initial 10-tonne consignment
Quotes
An unnamed survivor
A survivor who recalled people shouting during the flash flood in Timure
“Timure is completely gone, nothing is left”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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