Kathmandu: Nepal’s devastating flash floods have claimed at least 675 lives, according to the country’s disaster management authorities, as rescue and relief operations continue across several flood-hit districts. The disaster, triggered by intense rainfall, flash floods, landslides and a glacier-related event along the Nepal-China border, has caused widespread destruction of homes, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.
The latest death toll marks a sharp rise as rescue teams reach more remote areas and recover bodies from the affected regions. Chitwan has reported the highest number of recovered bodies, followed by Nawalparasi East, Nuwakot, Gorkha, Nawalparasi West, Dhading, Tanahu and Rasuwa.
The scale of the disaster has also left hundreds of people missing. Nepal’s authorities continue to search for survivors, while damaged roads and bridges are making access to some of the worst-hit locations extremely difficult. Helicopter operations have also faced interruptions because of poor weather.
The humanitarian crisis has extended to Indian nationals caught in the disaster. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said four Indians were rescued from the Rasuwa hydropower project, while 287 Indians remained missing. Earlier figures had indicated that several hundred Indians were uncontactable following the floods.
An 11-member Indian team comprising medical personnel and tunnel-rescue specialists has also reached Nepal following a request from the Nepalese government. The team is expected to assist local authorities in rescue, medical support and relief operations.
Nepal has requested India and China to provide Bailey bridges to help restore connectivity after several roads and bridges were destroyed. The loss of key infrastructure has complicated the movement of rescue teams and delivery of essential supplies.
The disaster has also raised concerns in neighbouring Indian states. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have increased monitoring of rivers flowing from Nepal, amid fears that rising water levels could affect downstream communities. The National Disaster Response Force has been placed on alert, while the Central Water Commission continues to track river levels.
Experts have also warned about the growing risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in the Himalayan region. The Nepal disaster has renewed calls for stronger early-warning systems and round-the-clock information sharing between India and Nepal.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister has said reconstruction could cost billions of dollars, with estimates suggesting the country may require around $4 billion to $5 billion to rebuild damaged infrastructure and communities.
As rescue operations enter another crucial phase, families continue to wait for news of missing relatives while authorities assess the full extent of the devastation.
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