Nepal Floods: Death Toll Nears 800; 32 Injured in Bus Crash in Nawalparasi

The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 788, while around 2,502 people remain missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said. So far, 9,435 people have been rescued from flood-hit areas.

The disaster also claimed 16 lives on the Chinese side, while nearly 550 people remain missing in Tibet, according to Chinese media reports.

Fresh Bhotekoshi River alert

Water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose again on Sunday, days after a deadly flash flood swept through the region, prompting Nepalese authorities to warn search and rescue teams to remain on high alert.

The river, which flows south from the Himalayan border region, carried huge volumes of water downstream into central Nepal during Wednesday’s flash floods.

“The water level in the flooded Bhotekoshi river has risen to some extent; all concerned are urged to take precautionary measures,” the NDRRMA said in a statement.

Key developments

• Death toll rises: Nepal’s flash flood death toll has reached 788, with nearly 2,502 people still missing, PTI reported.
• More than 100 trapped: Over 100 hydropower workers remain trapped in tunnels, with India and China deploying specialised rescue teams.
• Recovery bill to run into billions: Nepal expects reconstruction and disaster recovery costs to reach billions of dollars and has sought international assistance.
• India steps up glacier monitoring: Uttarakhand authorities are closely monitoring Himalayan glaciers and glacial lakes after the disaster was linked to a glacial collapse.
• International aid: The US, Canada, UK, UN, EU and IFRC have pledged millions of dollars in humanitarian assistance, while China has also offered help.

Fresh flash flood warning

Nepal remained under a flash flood alert on Sunday, with authorities warning that water levels in rivers and streams could rise across several districts. Officials also identified Nuwakot and Rasuwa as areas facing a high risk of flash floods.

The official Nepal Flood Alert handle warned that water levels in rivers and streams across several districts, including Panchthar, Taplejung, Solukhumbu, Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, Kathmandu, Dhading, Gorkha, Kaski, Myagdi, Baglung, Kailali, Darchula and Kanchanpur, among others, were expected to rise significantly, posing a moderate flash flood risk.

Search and rescue operations continue

Rescue teams in Nepal and China continued searching on Sunday for thousands of people still missing after a glacier collapse triggered a catastrophic mudslide across the Himalayas.

Operations have been complicated by difficult weather conditions and renewed rises in river and stream levels, with authorities urging rescue personnel in affected areas to exercise extreme caution.