The death toll from the devastating floods in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River has exceeded 700, prompting authorities to advise residents and rescue teams in affected districts to remain vigilant. This warning comes days after the catastrophic flash floods that occurred on August 26, which reportedly resulted from the collapse of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) announced on Sunday that water levels in the Bhotekoshi River have risen again. The agency urged all concerned individuals to take precautionary measures as search and rescue operations continue. Bodies are still being discovered as efforts are hampered by intermittent rain and increasing water levels.

As of now, nearly 2,500 people are reported missing, including 320 foreigners. The situation is dire, with bodies and missing individuals’ families anxiously awaiting news. On the Chinese side of the border, seven fatalities have been reported, with over 500 individuals still unaccounted for.

Rescue Efforts in Full Swing

The Nepali government has mobilised almost 20,000 security personnel to assist in search and rescue operations. Helicopters are actively involved in airlifting stranded people and distributing relief supplies to the worst-hit areas. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal confirmed that over 4,500 individuals have been rescued as efforts to locate and aid those in distress continue under a state of high alert.

However, the Nepal Meteorology Department has issued warnings about potential fresh rainfall and thunderstorms, raising concerns about further complications to ongoing rescue and relief missions. Transport services on the vital Prithvi Highway have come to a halt due to severe damage caused by the Trishuli River, which washed away a section of the road, complicating efforts to transport aid and rescue materials.

Reports indicate that hundreds of workers are trapped at various hydropower project sites in the affected regions. Nepali security forces have successfully rescued 191 workers so far, but many remain out of contact. To bolster rescue operations, an 11-member team from India is assisting in the efforts, particularly at the Trishuli hydropower site, where they are working alongside Nepali security personnel and tunnel experts.

Ongoing Humanitarian Response and Support

The NDRRMA has reported that 242 individuals injured in the Bhotekoshi flash floods have been hospitalised in various medical facilities, including Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and Bir Hospital in Kathmandu. The Home Ministry has also distributed a total of NPR 67.5 million to various municipalities, NPR 10 million to Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, and NPR 5 million to Dhading.

Efforts to provide humanitarian assistance have included sending 37 trucks filled with food and seven helicopters carrying essential supplies to the affected regions. Additionally, two tonnes of food have been dispatched to Uttargaya and Dhunche in Rasuwa. India has contributed to the relief efforts by sending 68.5 tonnes of supplies, along with technical teams and forensic experts to aid in the search and rescue operations.

As the flood situation persists and with more rainfall anticipated, Nepal faces a continued humanitarian crisis that has claimed over 700 lives, left thousands missing, and caused extensive damage across the flood-affected areas.

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