Nepal toll crosses 700; rising rivers, dwindling supplies add to survivors' woes
A severe flash flood triggered by a glacier collapse hit Nepal on Wednesday, resulting in at least 734 deaths and leaving nearly 3,000 people missing. The disaster affected regions such as Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading, with rescuers facing challenges due to blocked roads, damaged infrastructure, and hazardous weather conditions. The Sunkoshi and Bhote Koshi rivers overflowed, causing widespread destruction and prompting warnings of potential further flooding. The incident also impacted Tibet's Gyirong County, where a border crossing complex was destroyed, leading to 16 fatalities and 546 missing individuals. Over 275 Indians, primarily pilgrims on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, are among those missing, with many having been rescued or evacuated to Nepal. Indian authorities reported that 598 Indians had safely returned from China, though 128 individuals of Indian origin remain uncontactable.
Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims recounted their harrowing experience of narrowly escaping the catastrophic floods that struck Nepal’s Rasuwa Bhote Koshi region. Pilgrims who completed the sacred yatra returned to India after learning of the devastation, expressing gratitude for having left just days before the disaster. According to pilgrim Bajranga Laxman, the group departed on August 16 and was safely returning on August 18. “We were at a safe distance from the floods,” he said. “Had we been there the following day, we too would have been trapped. By God’s grace, we were spared.” Another pilgrim, Sneha Pandey, described how they learned of the flood damage while traveling back from the pilgrimage site. “We were returning after completing our parikrama when we learned about what had happened,” she said. The group encountered severe challenges along the way, including the eerie emptiness of Saga town, where internet access was unavailable, leaving their families in India anxious about their well-being. The floods, which occurred in late August, caused widespread destruction across Nepal, particularly in the Rasuwa Bhote Koshi region. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that the death toll had climbed to 675, with 2,418 people still missing or unaccounted for. Chitwan district saw the highest number of fatalities, with 246 bodies recovered, followed by Nawalparasi East with 165 deaths and Nawalparasi West with 63. Other heavily impacted areas included Gorkha, Nuwakot, Dhading, Tanahun, and Rasuwa. Among the missing were 933 workers from underground hydropower projects, 589 foreign nationals, and 127 Nepali citizens accompanying foreign tourists. Over 18,708 security personnel have been mobilized for search, rescue, and relief operations. So far, air and ground teams have successfully rescued 7,514 individuals, with helicopters conducting 261 sorties to assist in recovery efforts. The disaster has prompted a massive humanitarian response, with international aid pouring into Nepal. India has played a key role in supporting Nepal’s relief efforts, continuing to provide critical assistance in the wake of the floods. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that India is closely monitoring the situation and offering all necessary support. The Indian Embassy in Nepal has established a 24-hour helpline to track developments and facilitate coordination with local authorities. A specialized Indian technical team has also conducted on-site assessments of hydropower tunnels damaged by the floods, aiding in search and rescue operations. Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Shisir Khanal, expressed appreciation for the global support, noting that over 57 tonnes of relief supplies have been sent from India to assist in recovery efforts. Pilgrims who managed to return from the Kailash Mansarovar yatra shared their experiences of navigating the challenging conditions during their journey. They described the physical and emotional strain of the trip, emphasizing the importance of timely departure to avoid being caught in the floods. The lack of communication infrastructure in the affected regions exacerbated fears among families waiting for news. “Saga, which is a small town, was completely deserted, and we couldn’t access the internet, so our families back home were extremely worried,” Sneha Pandey explained. These accounts highlight the human impact of the disaster and the resilience of those who survived. As the search and rescue operations continue, officials remain focused on locating the missing and providing immediate relief to affected communities. The scale of the disaster underscores the vulnerability of mountainous regions to sudden weather changes, prompting renewed discussions on disaster preparedness and early warning systems. With ongoing international collaboration, Nepal is working toward stabilizing the situation and rebuilding in the aftermath of one of the worst floods in recent history. The government has pledged to enhance emergency response mechanisms to better protect residents in future crises. As the country begins the long process of recovery, the stories of survivors serve as a testament to the strength and endurance of the people living in this remote and rugged terrain.
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