Nepal floods death toll mounts to 469, race against time to find thousands missing amid second flood warning
PTC News Desk: The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal and Tibet rose to 469 on Friday, while 1,468 people were still missing on both sides of the border. At the same time, a newly formed barrier lake has raised fears of another major flood downstream.
India is also trying to locate 290 nationals who remain out of contact, as rescue teams struggle with destroyed roads, collapsed bridges and huge amounts of mud and debris.
The floods were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border. A massive flow of water, mud and debris swept through central Nepal, destroying homes, vehicles, roads and bridges. Several areas of Rasuwa and Nuwakot were buried under thick layers of mud and wreckage.
Hydropower projects along the Bhote Koshi river system were also damaged. Many villages have been cut off because roads and bridges were washed away, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach people trapped in remote areas. Homes, markets, farmland and government buildings were buried, while survivors said entire neighbourhoods were destroyed within minutes.
Rescue teams are continuing to search riverbanks, isolated villages and downstream areas for survivors and bodies. However, the danger has not passed. A newly formed barrier lake near the source of the Bhote Koshi river system could burst and send another wave of water downstream, potentially worsening the situation.
Nepal Police said 796 people, including 50 foreigners, were rescued by helicopters, while another 796 people were evacuated by land. The police did not provide details about the nationalities of the foreign nationals.
Nepalese authorities said 910 people were missing, while officials in Tibet reported 558 missing people, taking the combined number to 1,468.
Security forces have evacuated more than 800 people from the affected districts. Helicopters, drones and rescue teams on the ground are continuing operations in isolated villages and along riverbanks.
Bodies recovered from several districts
Nepal Police said 137 bodies were recovered from Chitwan, the highest number among the affected districts. Bodies were also found in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun and Nawalparasi.
At least 44 Nepal Army personnel, 28 Nepal Police personnel and 13 Armed Police Force personnel are among those still missing. Around 160 people working at hydropower projects and customs offices have also been reported missing.
Rescue efforts remain extremely difficult because of damaged roads, destroyed bridges and large amounts of mud and debris. Several areas remain inaccessible, while the possibility of another flood wave continues to pose a serious threat to both survivors and rescue teams.
- With inputs from agencies
