2 hrs ago
Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises as Rescue Operations Continue
A very large flood hit Nepal after an ice-and-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border.
The rushing water damaged homes, roads, bridges and hydropower projects.
Officials say 1,355 people have died and nearly 5,000 are still missing.
Rescue workers have saved more than 13,000 people and continue looking for victims.
Special dogs are helping find people buried under mud and broken buildings.
Teams from India, China and South Korea are helping Nepal.
Police are also investigating cruel online comments aimed at families affected by the disaster.
Nepal is encouraging tourists to visit places that remain open so local businesses can recover.
Nepal’s death toll from the August 26 flash floods reached 1,355, with 4,996 people still missing, authorities said.
Rescue teams have recovered victims and rescued 13,396 people, with Indian, Chinese and South Korean assistance.
Sniffer-dog teams from Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force have helped locate 26 bodies and body parts.
Nepal’s Cyber Bureau formed a 10-member team to investigate abusive social-media comments targeting flood survivors.
The government launched the “Nepal Calling” campaign after flood-related cancellations threatened the autumn tourism season.
- Who
- Nepali authorities, rescue teams, police, international responders and communities affected by the floods.
- What
- Flash floods killed at least 1,355 people, left 4,996 missing, displaced communities and damaged infrastructure, while rescue and recovery operations continue.
- Where
- The worst-affected areas include Chitwan, Nawalparasi East and West, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Gorkha, Dhading and Tanahu in Nepal; flooding also affected the Chinese side of the border.
- When
- The floods began on August 26; authorities gave the updated toll on Monday, and tourism officials are focusing on the September-November season.
- Why
- An ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border sent a massive surge through the Bhotekoshi River.
Disaster Response and Tourism Concerns
Government Reassurance and Recovery
Tourism safety
Disaster Response and Tourism Concerns
Hotel businesses reported cancellations, including about 20% of September-November bookings at one Kathmandu hotel, and argued that visitor confidence has been damaged.
Government Reassurance and Recovery
Tourism officials said major destinations remain open and launched the “Nepal Calling” campaign to encourage foreign visitors to return.
Online comments targeting survivors
Disaster Response and Tourism Concerns
Families searching for missing relatives have faced hostile and demeaning responses on social media, adding to their distress.
Government Reassurance and Recovery
The government says abusive comments are criminal and has formed a Cyber Bureau team, warning that offenders may face legal action even without a formal complaint.
Support for affected families
Disaster Response and Tourism Concerns
An Indian family who lost relatives said it lacked money for food, clothing and travel and sought financial assistance and DNA confirmation of an identified body.
Government Reassurance and Recovery
The Ballia district administration said it had acknowledged the family’s request and begun steps toward financial assistance, while fellow traders helped with immediate travel and supplies.
Key facts
- Reported death toll
- 1,355 in Nepal
- Still missing
- 4,996 people
- People rescued
- 13,396
- Canine recovery effort
- Nepal Police and Armed Police Force dogs helped locate 26 bodies and body parts
- Chinese-side casualties
- At least 21 people killed and more than 500 missing, according to Chinese media reports
- Tourism season
- September-November accounts for around 40% of Nepal’s annual foreign tourist arrivals
- Tourism campaign
- The government launched “Nepal Calling” to reassure visitors that major destinations remain open
Quotes
Panna Lal Chaurasia
Ballia resident who lost his wife and son in the floods
“The canines were fully equipped and deployed on the very day the flood came. They have proved to be very effective.”
telegraphindia.com
“My son sank into the mud before my eyes, while the water current swept away my wife.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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