Kathmandu: Nepal’s Interior Ministry says the death toll from the devastating floods has risen to 626. Authorities have still been unable to contact 2,426 people.
On August 26, a roughly 1.5-kilometre-wide section of ice broke away from Langtang Lirung and fell into a lake. The resulting outburst flood affected Nepal and China’s Tibet region. Water levels in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers surged by several metres, sweeping away numerous riverside buildings.
According to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority:
- Bodies of 626 flood victims have been recovered.
- 2,426 people remain unaccounted for, including 517 foreign nationals.
- 101 people are receiving hospital treatment.
- A total of 15,224 security personnel are conducting search operations: 4,811 police officers, 6,755 army personnel, and 3,658 Armed Police Force members.
- So far, 4,451 people have been rescued, including 191 from tunnels and 517 by air.
- Sixteen military and private helicopters are being used in rescue efforts.
- Of 198 damaged mobile-phone towers, 145 have been repaired and are operational.
The floods have also affected Tibet, where officials report seven deaths and 554 missing people, including 260 foreign nationals. Chinese authorities said 555 tourists and 499 local residents were safely evacuated from Gyirong district.
Nepal is raising funds to repair the damage. More than ₹229.5 crore has been collected for the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund so far. The Prime Minister and ministers have donated one month’s salary, while business leaders and celebrities have also contributed.
