Nepal flash floods have killed more than 160 people after floodwaters swept through several parts of the country on Wednesday. Police said 157 bodies had been recovered, while more than 750 people are still missing. Officials expect the death toll to rise as rescue teams continue searching affected areas.
There are 391 foreigners among those reported missing, including 133 Indian nationals. Nepal has initiated a large-scale rescue operation, with Prime Minister Balendra Shah reassuring affected families that the government will provide all available assistance.
Nepal Flash Floods Cause Widespread Destruction
An earthquake rocked Tibet at roughly 8:37 a.m. local time on Wednesday, sparking the calamity. The earthquake caused a glacier outburst, which sent a massive amount of water via the Bhote Koshi River and into Nepal.
Rasuwa and Dhading were among the first areas devastated. The floodwaters later reached Nuwakot, Chitawan, Gorkha, Tanahu, and Nawalparasi East. The impacted areas ranged from approximately 70 miles to over 200 km from Kathmandu.
Several cities and villages sustained significant damage. Bridges were demolished, and around a dozen hydroelectric projects were impacted. Among these were the 111-MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, the 78-MW Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project, and the 60-MW Upper Trishuli 3A Project.
As rescue teams continue their activities, videos of the wreckage have surfaced on social media.
Rescue Efforts Continue as Hundreds Remain Missing
The Nepali Army has dispatched 12 helicopters to assist in the search for missing individuals and the evacuation of flood-affected districts. Authorities are also working to evacuate people from risky situations and offer emergency help.
Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah stated that the government stands with those affected by the calamity. He acknowledged the gravity of their loss and stated that governmental resources would be used to give the required assistance.
India has also provided immediate aid. The government provided 10 tonnes of humanitarian and disaster relief goods, as well as necessary pharmaceuticals, to Nepal.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar stated that Indian assistance had arrived in Kathmandu and that additional assistance was being arranged. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Shah, stating that India was ready to provide all humanitarian assistance.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has provided emergency contact information to Indian nationals affected by the floods. People who need assistance or information can call +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.
The embassy stated that it is collaborating with Nepalese authorities to speed up rescue and relief efforts for affected Indian people.
China has also launched emergency rescue operations. Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged authorities to look for missing persons, evacuate vulnerable residents, and treat those who have been hurt.
145 officers and soldiers from the People’s Armed Police’s Xigaze unit were dispatched to the impacted border port to assist with emergency response efforts. Chinese authorities have also been instructed to increase surveillance and early warning systems, as well as to plan for potential secondary disasters.
With hundreds of people still missing, rescue teams in Nepal continue to scour impacted areas while authorities analyse the full scope of the devastation.
