6 days ago

Nepal Flood Death Toll Reaches 95, Many Missing

Nepal Flood Death Toll Reaches 95, Many Missing
Nepal flood leaves 95 dead, dozens of security personnel and tourists still missing · thehansindia.com

A huge flash flood moved from the Tibetan region of China into Nepal through the Bhote Koshi River.

It caused many deaths and damaged roads, bridges, offices and other buildings.

Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Office later said 95 bodies had been recovered by Wednesday evening.

Earlier that day, police had reported that 19 bodies had been recovered, so officials were still collecting and identifying information.

Many soldiers, police officers and other workers could not be contacted.

Hundreds of foreign and Nepali tourists were also reported out of contact.

Rescue teams used security agencies and other groups to search for people and provide relief.

Officials warned people near the river to stay in safe places.

Some areas received disaster status so more help could be organized.

Key facts

Reported deaths
The Prime Minister’s Office said 95 bodies had been recovered by 7 p.m.; police had reported 19 bodies by late Wednesday afternoon.
Security personnel out of contact
Forty-four Nepal Army personnel, 28 Nepal Police personnel and 13 Armed Police Force personnel remained out of contact.
Tourists out of contact
The government reported 391 foreign tourists and 93 Nepali tourists out of contact.
Other missing workers
Sixty hydropower employees, along with some Rasuwagadhi Customs Office and Immigration Office employees, were also unaccounted for.
Infrastructure damage
At least 19 motorable bridges and 40 kilometers of paved roads were damaged.
Affected districts
Parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading were declared disaster crisis-hit areas.
Rescue response
The government mobilized security agencies and other bodies for search, rescue and relief operations.

Quotes

Secretariat of Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle

The finance minister’s secretariat, reporting international commitments and assistance for flood response.

“Soon after news of the flooding emerged, at around 10:35 a.m., World Bank Country Director for Nepal David Sislen informed Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle that emergency assistance of up to NPR 25 billion could be mobilized from various sources.”
thehansindia.com
“Nepal’s southern neighbour, India, has asked the government to provide a list of essential relief materials urgently needed for flood victims. China has also decided to provide immediate cash assistance.”
thehansindia.com

Sources

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