The death toll from flash floods in central Nepal has risen to 768 today, with more bodies being recovered. More than 2,500 people are still missing following the disaster. Bodies have been recovered from all eight affected districts as rescuers race against time to search for those missing and rescue those stranded on the fifth day since the disaster.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) of Nepal said, rescuers have so far evacuated 8,186 people from the affected districts, including 227 foreigners.
The Nepal government has issued fresh alert for flood in Bhote Koshi River and urged residents living along the river to remain cautious. NDRRMA has reported an increased flood flow in the river. Rasuwa District Administration has advised people in areas near the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts to exercise caution.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 108 Indian nationals have been rescued so far in Nepal following flash flood tragedy. In a social media post, Mr Jaiswal said that the contact was re-established with around 50 Indian nationals who were earlier untraceable.
The External Affairs Ministry said that 275 Indian nationals are reportedly missing and around 128 people of Indian origin, holding other nationalities also remain missing. As per local government source, 598 Indian nationals crossed into Nepal from China in the last two days. Meanwhile, 900 Indian nationals who are yet to depart from China are safe, and Indian Embassy in Beijing is in touch with them directly or through the local government. The Ministry added that Government of India has been working in close coordination with the Nepali and Chinese authorities for the early rescue and relief efforts of those affected by the floods.
India is continuously supporting the relief and rescue operation in flash flood hit Nepal. The 4th flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief assistance has landed in Kathmandu, and relief material has been handed over to Nepal government.
In a social media post, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that the flight carried essential supplies and technical capabilities to support Nepal’s ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Earlier, India had sent more than 57 tonnes of emergency relief supplies in three flights. An ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border sent a torrent of water, mud and debris downstream. It wiped out towns and villages, damaging crucial infrastructure and washing away hydropower stations through central Nepal on Wednesday.
