The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 1,127, while nearly 4,900 people remain missing, as security agencies and rescue teams continue search, evacuation and relief operations amid challenging weather conditions.
The flash floods, triggered by the collapse or avalanche of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border, struck several areas of northern and central Nepal on August 26, causing widespread destruction in towns and villages.
Addressing the House of Representatives today, Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah described the disaster as a stark warning of escalating climate risks in the Himalayan region and called for greater international cooperation to address the growing threat.
Mr Shah said experts have identified the disaster, one of the largest in the region, as resulting from an avalanche of snow and rock in the high Himalayas. He said, “This is a serious signal that, alongside climate change, the risks they must bear in the Himalayan region are increasing.” He stressed that climate change is a product of the whole world’s contribution and that mitigating and managing its effects is the shared responsibility of the global community.
The Prime Minister said the disaster had not only devastated the three affected districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, but had also dealt a severe blow to the entire country. In a message of resilience during the crisis, he said, “In this hour of crisis, the country’s leadership must provide courage, support and reassurance, rather than tears.”
Security Forces Lead Rescue and Evacuation:
Prime Minister Shah informed Parliament that security agencies have been deployed across the affected areas, while local authorities have urged residents in vulnerable locations to move to safer areas.
Army helicopters are being used for rescue and evacuation operations, with private helicopters also kept on standby if required. Rescue teams are simultaneously working to relocate families from high-risk areas, clear debris-blocked roads and co-ordinate search and relief operations with local authorities and residents.
However, continuing rainfall is hampering search and rescue efforts, particularly in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, where difficult terrain and accumulated debris are adding to the challenges faced by rescuers.
Government Announces Relief Measures:
The Nepal government has approved financial assistance for families of those killed in the disaster and declared the affected areas crisis-hit for three months. Free medical treatment is being provided to the injured, while arrangements are being made for food and shelter for people displaced by the floods.
Local and provincial authorities are also working together to restore essential services, including electricity, water supplies and transport links, in the affected areas.
Prime Minister Shah said Nepal has received messages of solidarity and material assistance from several countries and international organisations, including India, China, the United States, Japan, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the European Union and the United Nations. More than 7 billion Nepalese Rupees has so far been collected in the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
India Continues Relief and Rescue Assistance:
India is continuing to extend all possible assistance to Nepal as rescue and relief operations remain underway.
India’s Ambassador to Nepal said on social media that the fifth Indian aircraft carrying relief and rescue assistance arrived in Nepal on Wednesday. The aircraft carried an 11-member specialised rescue team equipped with tunnel-rescue equipment, along with 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines.
The latest Indian assistance forms part of the ongoing humanitarian relief effort aimed at supporting Nepal’s emergency response and providing critical medical and rescue assistance to communities affected by the devastating floods.
With adverse weather conditions continuing to challenge operations, Nepal’s security forces, local authorities and international partners remain engaged in a coordinated effort to rescue those stranded, provide emergency relief and restore essential infrastructure in the disaster-hit areas.
(Image courtesy: AIR)
