Nepal Floods Leave Families Searching for Missing Relatives

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At least 180 people have died and over 1,400 are missing after a suspected glacial lake outburst in Tibet caused a massive flash flood that swept through Nepal and parts of China. The disaster occurred on Wednesday when Gyan Deep Sapkota, a grade 11 student at Trishuli Secondary School in Nepal’s Nuwakot district, heard his teachers warning him to leave due to an approaching flood. Many students took shelter on higher ground or crossed a small bridge to safety.

The floodwaters have destroyed entire settlements and dams, with reports indicating that many homes, businesses, and infrastructure have been severely damaged or washed away. The affected areas include Nepal’s Nuwakot district, as well as parts of Tibet in China.

According to Nepal Police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle, search and rescue teams have recovered 95 bodies so far. However, officials expect the death toll and number of missing people to rise significantly as the water recedes and connectivity with affected regions is re-established.

Many of those missing are Indian tourists who were heading to Tibet for a major Hindu pilgrimage. Healthcare workers and residents in the affected areas describe apocalyptic scenes, with homes, gardens, and infrastructure destroyed or swept away.

A statement from Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Office reported that 19 vehicle bridges and 43km of highway have been damaged by the flood. The Nepali districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan are under high alert, while authorities urge citizens to stay away from rivers.

Prime Minister Balen Shah has called for national unity during the crisis, urging local groups, businesses, young volunteers, and citizens to contribute to the government’s relief and rescue campaign. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also offered humanitarian assistance and support to Nepal.

Source: Al Jazeera