Flooding in Nepal, at least 788 dead and 2,500 missing: 6-year-old girl rescued from rubble

Nepal faces mounting challenges as floodwaters continue to wreak havoc, with official reports indicating over 675 deaths and nearly 3,000 people still missing following catastrophic flooding earlier this week. Rescue operations remain ongoing, particularly in the Rasuwa district, where efforts have been focused on extracting individuals trapped in tunnels associated with the Upper Trishuli Hydropower Project. The military has successfully evacuated 350 workers and residents, but more than 100 people are believed to still be stuck inside one such tunnel. Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to 633, with many victims potentially carried downstream into India, complicating recovery efforts. The situation has drawn international attention, including from religious leaders. Pope Leo XIV has pledged support through financial aid directed toward Caritas Nepal, which is already providing immediate relief to affected communities. This assistance includes food supplies, essential goods, and temporary shelter for those who have lost everything. According to the archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, head of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, the pope's contribution represents a swift and tangible gesture of solidarity aimed at addressing the most pressing needs of the disaster-stricken population. Rescue teams operating in both Nepal and China have recovered the bodies of 633 victims from the Trishuli Valley. However, the number of missing persons remains high, with approximately 3,000 still unaccounted for, including 933 workers trapped within the Trishuli 3 hydropower project tunnel. Search efforts are hindered by the challenging terrain filled with mud and debris, making it difficult to locate additional survivors. Some casualties might have been washed away by floodwaters into Indian territory, adding another layer of complexity to the rescue mission. In Nuwakot, one of the hardest-hit districts, helicopter operations resumed after being temporarily halted due to adverse weather conditions. These aircraft transported essential supplies such as clothing, instant noodles, crackers, and rice to affected areas while also ferrying survivors to safety. Medical personnel checked vital signs and dental health of the rescued individuals before they were taken to medical tents. Several elderly people and infants were among those evacuated, highlighting the vulnerability of different age groups during the crisis. Despite these efforts, the situation continues to deteriorate. A new landslide near the border between China and Nepal has forced evacuation of rescue workers stationed at the Gyirong port. Detected by monitoring drones, this landslide occurred on a mountain slope approximately three kilometers from an artificial lake along the Purepu Tsanpo River. The incident created an additional blockage in the river, forming yet another artificial lake. This development poses further risks to ongoing search and rescue missions. Authorities estimate initial repair costs for damages caused by the floods could reach four to five billion dollars. Concerns over public health have also emerged, with officials warning about potential outbreaks due to contaminated water sources and decomposing bodies. Sudarshan Neupane of WaterAid Nepal emphasized the urgency of clean drinking water for displaced populations to prevent disease spread. He noted that the risk of an epidemic exists, similar to past disasters involving decomposing remains and animals. As the scale of destruction becomes clearer, the focus shifts towards long-term recovery plans and international aid coordination. With thousands still missing and infrastructure severely damaged, the coming days will determine how effectively Nepal can manage this unprecedented crisis.