The death toll from devastating floods that swept across large areas of northern Nepal has risen to 903, while 4,247 people remain missing, according to the latest figures released Monday by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, as search and rescue operations continue in the worst-affected areas.
اضافة اعلان
Authorities said rescue teams have so far saved more than 10,000 people, while around 20,000 army and police personnel are taking part in search and relief operations. Helicopters are also being used to reach areas cut off by damaged roads.
Search efforts are particularly focused on Nuwakot and Rasuwa, where hundreds of people remain missing. Teams are also searching for around 933 workers involved in hydropower projects who are believed to be trapped or missing inside tunnels blocked by huge amounts of mud, rocks and debris. Specialized teams are working to clear tunnel entrances and reach the trapped workers.
Rescue teams are facing major challenges due to blocked roads and massive debris, making helicopters the primary means of reaching some isolated areas. Authorities have also warned of continued risks from landslides and flash floods amid poor weather and difficult mountainous terrain.
In affected areas, authorities are intensifying efforts to recover, identify and bury victims, amid concerns over health risks caused by the decomposition of bodies in hot and humid conditions. Many areas still require field searches to locate missing people.
Tibet Deaths
Across the border, Chinese authorities reported 16 deaths and 546 people missing in the Tibet region, bringing the combined death toll in Nepal and China to at least 919, with search operations continuing in both countries.
Indian and Chinese teams have also joined rescue efforts, while China has mobilized more than 2,000 personnel to assist with search and relief operations in affected areas.
The disaster is considered one of the deadliest natural catastrophes to hit the region in recent years. Experts have linked the growing risk of avalanches and floods in mountainous areas to rising temperatures and disruptions to the Himalayan region’s glacial systems.
The disaster began last Wednesday morning when torrents of water flowed from the Chinese side into the Bhote Koshi River following an earthquake and a subsequent major landslide, triggering widespread flooding and mudslides.
Nepalese authorities warned on Sunday of the possibility of further flooding and urged residents in areas affected by the recent floods to move to higher ground after water levels rose in the Bhote Koshi River.
Rescue teams continue to search for missing people and evacuate those stranded as affected areas face major challenges from the ongoing risks of flooding and landslides.
