Nepal devastating flash floods have killed at least 1,259 people and left more than 5,000 missing, as rescue teams continued operations for a ninth consecutive day across flood and landslide hit areas.
The disaster, triggered by an ice rock avalanche near the Nepal Tibet border on August 26, sent huge volumes of water, mud and debris through settlements in northern and central Nepal. The destruction has cut roads and communication links, severely complicating relief and rescue efforts.
According to Nepalese authorities, the number of missing people rose sharply to 5,083 on September 3. Chinese state media reported another 21 deaths and 541 people missing in Tibet, taking the combined toll from the disaster to 1,280 deaths and 5,624 missing.
Chitawan recorded the highest number of recovered bodies at 355, followed by Nawalparasi East with 218, Nawalparasi West with 208 and Nuwakot with 177. Bodies have also been recovered from Rasuwa, Gorkha, Dhading and Tanahun.
Rescue teams led by the Nepal Army continued searching tunnels, powerhouses and other areas where people are feared trapped. An Indian tunnel rescue team has also established a base at Syabrubesi to speed up operations around the Chilime Power House.
Relief operations face major access challenges
The United Nations has warned that reaching survivors remains extremely difficult because roads and infrastructure have been destroyed. Relief agencies are considering cargo drones and porters to transport essential supplies to isolated communities.
India has continued its humanitarian assistance to Nepal, with a fifth Indian Air Force flight delivering around 5.5 tonnes of medical supplies, including antibiotics, analgesics, surgical equipment and other essential medicines. An 11 member rescue team was also sent to assist the operations.
China has supplied Nepal with tents, blankets, medical protective equipment and satellite communication equipment. Access to the disaster zone in Tibet has also improved after the reopening of a key highway, allowing heavy machinery to reach areas previously accessible mainly by air or on foot.
Early warning system planned
Nepal is planning to rebuild an early warning system along part of its border with China, including seismic sensors, cameras and satellite communications. The proposed system is aimed at improving detection of landslides and other hazards in the high altitude region.
The disaster has also renewed debate over climate change and development in the Himalayas. Nepalese officials have highlighted the possible links between a warming climate and increasing risks from glacier-related hazards, while environmentalists have questioned the scale and manner of infrastructure development in fragile mountain ecosystems.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal described the floods as a “Himalayan Tsunami” and called for greater international support for Nepal, arguing that vulnerable countries facing climate-related disasters need stronger assistance from the international community.
Meanwhile, families continue to search for missing relatives. Nepalese authorities have also been working to identify victims, while the Tamil Nadu government has arranged free DNA testing for relatives of pilgrims from the State who remain missing in Nepal.
With thousands still unaccounted for and access to several affected areas remaining difficult, search and rescue teams are continuing operations as Nepal confronts one of its most devastating recent natural disasters.