5 days ago
Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises Amid Fresh Lake Outburst Warning
Severe flash floods struck parts of Nepal after a flood moved downstream from Tibet.
The floods damaged towns, villages, bridges, roads and hydropower projects.
Nepal authorities reported hundreds of deaths, but different reports gave totals of 359 and 392.
Reports also disagreed about how many people were missing or could not be contacted.
Rescue teams are searching for people and moving survivors to safety.
More than 13,000 security workers are helping with the rescue effort.
A river blockage near the Nepal-China border created a new lake.
The lake is still rising and could burst, causing another large flood.
Officials told people to stay away from riverbanks and other dangerous areas.
Nepal authorities reported 359 deaths across eight districts, while another report put the toll at 392.
Reports differed on the number missing: one cited 910 people, while another said more than 1,400, including 590 tourists.
A blockage of the Lhende River formed a rising lake about 18 kilometres upstream of the Rasuwagadhi border.
Officials warned that the lake could burst and urged residents, passengers and rescuers to move away from Bhotekoshi River banks.
Authorities deployed 13,295 security personnel and reported 716 helicopter and 756 land rescues.
- Who
- Nepalese authorities, security forces, rescuers, residents, tourists and other visitors were affected or involved.
- What
- Flash floods caused hundreds of deaths and extensive damage, while a newly formed upstream lake created a further flood threat.
- Where
- The disaster affected eight Nepalese districts, including Chitwan, Rasuwa, Dhading and Nuwakot, with the lake forming upstream of the Rasuwagadhi border.
- When
- The floods occurred on Wednesday, and updated casualty and warning information was issued on Thursday.
- Why
- The initial floods were attributed in preliminary and revised analyses to a possible glacial collapse or ice-rock avalanche; a separate river blockage caused the new lake and outburst risk.
Key facts
- Reported deaths
- One update recorded 359 recovered bodies from eight districts; another report cited a death toll of 392.
- Reported missing
- One set of figures listed 910 people missing or out of contact, while another reported more than 1,400.
- Foreign nationals
- The 910-person figure included 517 foreign citizens; the other report said 590 tourists were missing.
- Indian citizens
- India's Ministry of External Affairs said 288 of the missing people were Indians.
- Security deployment
- Authorities deployed 13,295 personnel: 7,250 Nepal Police, 4,200 Nepal Army and 1,845 Armed Police Force personnel.
- Rescue operations
- Authorities reported 716 helicopter rescues, 756 land rescues and 69 helicopter rescue flights on Thursday.
- Barrier lake
- The lake formed after the Lhende River was blocked about 18 kilometres upstream of Rasuwagadhi and covers approximately 0.11 square kilometres.
Quotes
Nepal National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority
Nepal’s national disaster management authority
“In view of this situation, until further notice is issued, residents of the lower banks of the Bhotekoshi River, passengers, rescuers engaged in rescue operations and all concerned are requested to exercise special caution and stay in safe places away from the river banks and risky areas.”
freepressjournal.in
republicworld.com
“As there remains a risk of another major flood, all concerned parties in the lower coastal areas are urged to exercise necessary caution and remain highly vigilant.”
freepressjournal.in
republicworld.com
Sources
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