5 days ago
Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises as Rescue Efforts Continue
A very large flood hit Nepal and nearby Tibet on Wednesday.
Nepal said at least 547 people had died and 977 were still missing.
Many of the missing people were workers, tourists or pilgrims from different countries.
Rescuers saved thousands of people, including 85 Indians and other foreign visitors.
More than 14,000 security personnel were reported to be helping with the rescue effort.
A lake formed by rocks and debris began overflowing, creating fears of another flood.
Rescue work was paused briefly but later restarted when the danger appeared manageable.
Officials believe a glacier collapse caused the huge rush of water and mud.
Nepal’s reported death toll rose to 547, while 977 people remained missing, according to its disaster authority.
At least 85 Indian nationals were among 121 foreign tourists rescued from flood-affected areas.
More than 14,000 security personnel were reported mobilized in Nepal, while another account cited 7,451 deployed.
A barrier lake near the Tibet border briefly halted rescue operations after overflowing, but authorities later judged the immediate risk manageable.
The floods followed a high-altitude glacier collapse that sent water, debris and mud through communities in Nepal and Tibet.
- Who
- Residents, foreign tourists, workers and pilgrims in Nepal and Tibet were affected; Nepalese authorities, Chinese officials and international rescue teams continued responding.
- What
- Flash floods and mudslides killed hundreds, left more than 977 people missing in Nepal, and prompted large-scale search-and-rescue operations.
- Where
- The worst-affected areas were along the Nepal-Tibet border, including Rasuwa and Gyirong County, as well as other districts in Nepal.
- When
- The disaster occurred on Wednesday, and rescue operations continued for a third day on Friday.
- Why
- Officials and scientists attributed the flooding to the collapse of a high-altitude glacier, which sent water, rocks and melted debris into downstream valleys.
Key facts
- Nepal death toll
- 547, according to Nepal’s disaster authority; another report cited 538.
- People missing in Nepal
- 977, according to Nepal’s disaster authority.
- People rescued
- About 3,742 people; 3,253 were airlifted from the disaster area.
- Foreign tourists rescued
- At least 121, including 85 Indians, nine South Koreans and 16 Chinese nationals.
- Indian nationals missing
- Around 320, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
- People needing aid
- More than 93,000 people were estimated to be directly affected, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
- Health impact
- Six health facilities were damaged and eight healthcare workers were missing, according to the World Health Organization.
- Barrier lake
- One lake’s reservoir was reported to contain more than 2.5 million cubic metres of water before overflowing.
Quotes
Abi Narayan Kafle
Nepal police spokesperson who described the continuing rescue operation.
“Right after the shake, I noticed a black storm coming towards us. We all immediately started running out, and within a few seconds, we were climbing uphill on the opposite side of our office building. I think those 10 or so seconds saved some of us.”
republicworld.com
“Following a disaster of this scale, displacement, overcrowding and disruption to water, sanitation and health services can increase the risk of infectious diseases, including diarrhoea and respiratory illnesses.”
telegraphindia.com
Brig. Gen. Raja Ram Basnet
Nepal Army spokesperson discussing efforts to rescue people trapped in a hydropower tunnel.
“It is complicated to find the entry and exit points of the tunnel because everything has been covered by mud. Our first priority is rescuing the stranded people.”
republicworld.com
Sources
Related news
Glacial Collapse Floods Nepal and Tibet, Leaving Thousands Missing
Nepal-Tibet Flash Flood Toll Rises as Fresh Threat Looms
Nepal Floods Kill 469 as Barrier Lakes Threaten New Deluge
Nepal-Tibet Flood Death Toll Rises as New Surge Threatens
Nepal Flood Toll Reaches 903 as Thousands Remain Missing
Nepal-Tibet Flood Death Toll Reaches 691
Families Await News as Nepal Floods Leave Pilgrims Unaccounted
Nepal Flash Flood Toll Rises as Rescue Operations Continue
Nepal Orders Evacuations as New Flood Threat Disrupts Rescue
Nepal Hospitals Become Search Points After Deadly Flash Floods
