4 days ago
Nepal Flood Death Toll Reaches 675 as Rescue Efforts Intensify
A glacier collapsed and sent a huge wave of rocks, ice, mud and water through rivers in Nepal.
The flood hit places near Nepal’s border with China and destroyed homes, roads, bridges and power stations.
Nepal’s latest official count says 675 people died, although another report listed 669 deaths.
More than 2,400 people in Nepal are still missing, and hundreds more are missing in Tibet.
Rescue teams had to pause because of rain, fog and unsafe conditions, but they later resumed their work.
Thousands of security workers and rescue personnel are searching for survivors and bodies.
Nearly 2,500 people have been moved away from dangerous areas.
Some bodies are difficult to identify, so officials plan to collect DNA samples.
Nepal’s finance minister says rebuilding could cost between $4 billion and $5 billion.
Nepal’s disaster authority reported 675 deaths and 2,426 missing, including 517 foreigners and 933 hydropower workers.
A separate report gave Nepal’s death toll as 669, while seven deaths were reported in Tibet.
The floods began Wednesday after a glacier collapse sent rock, ice, mud and debris through Himalayan rivers.
More than 11,000 security personnel are searching, while nearly 2,500 people have been evacuated from affected areas.
Nepal estimates rebuilding will cost $4 billion to $5 billion and has requested specialized technical assistance.
- Who
- At least 675 people in Nepal have died and 2,426 are missing; more than 11,000 security personnel are conducting searches.
- What
- A glacier-collapse-triggered torrent caused deadly floods, displacement and extensive infrastructure damage.
- Where
- The worst-hit areas are near Nepal’s border with China, including Himalayan river systems and Rasuwa district; related deaths and missing people were reported in Tibet.
- When
- The disaster began on Wednesday; Nepal’s latest death toll was released on Saturday.
- Why
- A glacier collapse released rock, ice, mud and debris into mountain river systems.
Nepal’s stated response needs
International assistance offered
Type of assistance
Nepal’s stated response needs
Nepal’s foreign minister said the country did not need outside help with general search and rescue but requested specialized support for tunnel rescues, transport restoration, communications, body identification and DNA testing.
International assistance offered
India and China offered or dispatched tunnel experts and technical teams, while India also sent relief supplies and offered disaster-response personnel and prefabricated bridges.
Search-and-rescue conditions
Nepal’s stated response needs
Nepali authorities temporarily halted operations because rain, fog, difficult terrain and an overflowing cross-border lake created safety risks.
International assistance offered
After weather improved and the lake’s risk eased, helicopters and rescue workers resumed operations, including searches around damaged border facilities.
Key facts
- Nepal’s latest reported death toll
- 675, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority
- Conflicting Nepal death toll
- A separate report listed at least 669 deaths in Nepal
- People missing in Nepal
- 2,426, including 517 foreigners and 933 hydropower workers
- Reported missing in Tibet
- 554 people in Gyirong County, according to the second report
- Evacuations
- Nearly 2,500 people, including 163 foreigners, have been evacuated
- Search deployment
- More than 11,000 security personnel, including over 5,000 Nepal Army personnel
- Estimated rebuilding cost
- $4 billion to $5 billion
- Foreign assistance
- India and China sent or offered tunnel experts, relief supplies and technical support
Quotes
Rasuwa district police officer
Police officer in Nepal’s hard-hit Rasuwa district
“The initial estimate is between $4-$5 billion. Just an estimate,~We will require much less than what we needed for the 2015 earthquake. Loss and damage is being assessed.”
firstpost.com
“Helicopters are flying and the operation resumed following some improvement in weather.”
livemint.com
Sources
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