Kathmandu, August 27: Flash floods in three districts of Nepal have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 157 lives. Hundreds remain missing, including tourists and security personnel. The identification process for the deceased is still ongoing.
According to reports from the Kathmandu Post, the floods were triggered when an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende River, a tributary of the Bhotekoshi River. The village of Timure, located near the Nepal-China border, was the first area to be affected.
Residents were caught off guard as there had been no prior rainfall in the region, leaving them unaware of the impending disaster. At the time of the floods, many were engaged in their daily activities. Currently, 391 tourists and 44 security personnel are reported missing.
The Nepalese government has indicated that contact has not yet been established with 44 soldiers from the Nepal Army, 28 police personnel, and 13 Armed Police Force (APF) members deployed in the affected areas. Additionally, nine hydropower projects, several commercial banks, at least 19 road bridges, and numerous government and private properties have been swept away by the floods.
Authorities are still compiling a comprehensive report on the damage caused by this disaster. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that the government activated search, rescue, and relief operations immediately after the floods struck.
Around 9 AM, officials issued a high alert for riverside areas, urging residents to stay in safe locations and avoid approaching the river. The PMO noted that the flood has caused significant damage in the Nepal-China border region, particularly in Rasuwa district, where many government offices, security checkpoints, hydropower projects, and other infrastructures have been impacted.
In response to the disaster, India has sent 10 tons of humanitarian aid to Nepal for relief efforts. This assistance comes in the wake of the recent devastating floods.
India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, formally handed over the relief materials to Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Khadka Raj Paudel. The aid includes essential supplies aimed at assisting those affected by the floods and landslides.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India stands firmly with Nepal during this challenging time and is committed to providing all possible assistance.
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