3 days ago
Nepal Flood Death Toll Reaches 675 as Thousands Remain Missing
A powerful flood hit parts of Nepal on Wednesday.
Water, mud and rocks swept through towns and villages along the Bhotekoshi River.
Officials said 675 bodies had been found, but thousands of people were still missing.
Different Nepali agencies gave different missing-person totals, ranging from nearly 2,400 to 2,498.
More than 4,400 people were rescued or moved to safer places.
Many roads and bridges were destroyed, so helicopters were needed to reach some communities.
India sent food, medical supplies, rescue experts and bridge equipment to help.
Rain and a new lake upstream made rescuers worry that another flood could happen.
Officials continued searching for survivors and identifying people who died.
Nepali authorities said 675 bodies had been recovered across eight districts after Wednesday’s Bhotekoshi River floods.
Official estimates of missing people ranged from nearly 2,400, including at least 320 foreign nationals, to 2,498.
More than 4,400 people were rescued or evacuated, including at least 261 foreign tourists previously out of contact.
More than 15,000 security personnel and helicopters were conducting rescues as destroyed roads and bridges isolated communities.
India sent 68.5 tonnes of aid, tunnel-rescue specialists and bridge equipment, while rain and rising water levels threatened further flooding.
- Who
- Residents, tourists, hydropower workers, Nepali emergency responders and security personnel, assisted by teams from India and China.
- What
- Flash floods killed at least 675 people, left thousands missing and damaged homes, roads, bridges, hydropower projects and other infrastructure.
- Where
- Eight districts in central Nepal along the Bhotekoshi River corridor, with additional deaths and missing people reported on the Chinese side of the border.
- When
- The flooding began on Wednesday; the latest figures and rescue updates were reported on Saturday, August 29.
- Why
- Reports differed on the immediate trigger: one described a sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River, while another cited a possible ice-and-rock collapse or avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border.
Reported Figures and Explanations
Alternative Figures and Explanations
Number of people missing
Reported Figures and Explanations
Nepal Police-related reporting said nearly 2,400 people remained missing, including at least 320 foreign nationals.
Alternative Figures and Explanations
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that 2,498 people were missing.
Likely flood trigger
Reported Figures and Explanations
One report attributed the disaster to a sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River.
Alternative Figures and Explanations
Another account said the flooding was believed to have followed an ice-and-rock collapse or avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border.
Tourist status
Reported Figures and Explanations
Nepal’s Department of Tourism said 753 tourists had lost contact, including 589 foreign nationals.
Alternative Figures and Explanations
Rescue officials said at least 261 foreign tourists previously out of contact had been rescued, including Indians, Chinese nationals and citizens of several other countries.
Key facts
- Bodies recovered
- 675 across eight Nepali districts
- Missing people
- Nearly 2,400 according to one official report; 2,498 according to Nepal’s disaster authority
- Tourists out of contact
- 753, including 589 foreign nationals, according to Nepal’s Department of Tourism
- Foreign tourists rescued
- At least 261, including 167 Indians and 40 Chinese nationals
- Rescue deployment
- More than 15,000 security personnel, supported by helicopters
- Indian assistance
- 68.5 tonnes of relief material, tunnel-rescue specialists and equipment for modular and Bailey bridges
- Transport access
- The Mugling-Kathmandu highway reopened Saturday, while several other roads remained obstructed
Quotes
Balendra Shah
Prime Minister of Nepal
“The 4th flight from India with 11 tonnes of assistance is now airborne. The C-130 aircraft is carrying: A Tunnel technical contingent along with equipment for search & rescue operations. A team of forensic experts for DNA analysis along with Forensic equipment. Relief supplies, including blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulin, plastic sheets and hygiene kits.”
thehansindia.com
“It is the first priority of the state to save the life of each and every citizen through the mobilisation of all the state mechanism.”
theprint.in
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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