Nepal flash floods; Death toll touches 157, rescue operations continue

KATHMANDU: The death toll in the flash floods in Nepal has risen to 157. As many as 145 Indians are reportedly missing. The Nepal Police have recovered 157 bodies so far, while authorities are continuing efforts to locate bodies trapped under the mud. Emergency rescue operations are underway in the disaster-hit areas under the leadership of the Nepal Army.

The Nepalese authorities said that a 4.4-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Tibetan region, triggering an avalanche that caused the river to overflow. The flash flood occurred in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa district at around 8:30 am local time yesterday.

The massive flow of water from the Tibetan side swept away villages and markets in the Sapu Basi and Timure areas. Twelve major hydropower projects and transmission lines were damaged. The floods destroyed 19 bridges and around 40 kilometres of roads. A massive landslide at the Gyirong border point in Tibet, which connects Nepal and China, has completely disrupted communication systems and road transport.

“You are experiencing immense pain and loss. But I assure you that you are not alone during this difficult time,” Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah said.