Death Toll in Flash Floods in Nepal Climbs to 586; Indian Tourists Among Rescued

The devastating flash floods and landslides that struck Nepal have resulted in a rising death toll, which has now reached 586, as reported by various sources on Friday. Prime Minister Balen Shah provided updates on the rescue operation, indicating that more than 4,400 individuals have been saved from the disaster’s aftermath. The Nepal Tourism Board has confirmed that of the 183 Indian tourists reported missing, 85 have been successfully located and rescued, leaving at least 98 still unaccounted for.

The floods occurred in the Rasuwa district, located approximately 120 kilometers north of Kathmandu, near the border with China. The sudden deluge was unexpected, as the area had not experienced any rainfall prior to the event, catching locals by surprise. Reports from the Red Cross estimate that around 93,000 people may have been impacted by the flood, and the number of casualties is expected to rise as the situation unfolds.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with Prime Minister Shah stating on social media that a total of 4,451 individuals had been rescued. This number includes 191 people rescued from a hydropower tunnel and 517 who were saved through aerial operations. The extensive rescue efforts are being supported by a formidable contingent, including 15,431 security personnel—6,755 from the Army, 4,473 from the police, and 4,203 from the armed police forces—all working round the clock to locate and assist those affected.

The floods are part of a broader trend of worsening weather patterns in the region, exacerbated by climate change, which has led to increased rainfall and flooding in the Himalayan region of South Asia. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of mountainous areas to natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and timely warnings to mitigate such catastrophes.

As rescue operations continue, the Nepalese government is also focusing on providing support to the thousands of individuals displaced by the floods. Meanwhile, families of the missing tourists, both Indian and Nepali, are left anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. The Indian government is reportedly in touch with its counterparts in Nepal to ensure that every possible effort is made to locate the missing tourists and provide assistance to those who have been affected.

Source: scroll.in