On the road to Kathmandu, chaos is evident as people search for loved ones whose mobile phones have gone unanswered since a flash flood swept down from the Himalayas on Wednesday morning. Traffic is at a standstill, and vast crowds of pedestrians are heading north, hoping for news amid rising fears. The official death toll has reached at least 538, with over 1,500 people reported missing. Buildings, bridges, and entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, leaving many without homes.
Prem Bahdur Tamang was seen walking along the road, clutching a mobile phone with a picture of his nephew, Sangyam Rumba, who has been missing since the flood. Sangyam was last in contact with his family just minutes before the flood hit while walking along the Trishuli River with a group of tourists. 'We haven't seen him since the water came,' Prem said. 'His parents have been crying and haven't eaten for almost three days because they know that the outcome is not going to be good.'
The floods, which surged as high as 650 feet, have devastated areas in Nepal and Tibet. Aerial views show broken bridges and damaged houses, with the Trishuli River bearing the brunt of the disaster. Many families have lost everything, but some are finding temporary shelter with relatives or in makeshift huts. Shanti, a mother of three, expressed gratitude for her family's safety despite losing their home.
Rescue operations are hampered by the destruction of roads, with helicopters being the only means to access some remote areas. The Nepali army is conducting aerial searches, but worsening weather conditions and fears of additional flooding complicate efforts. The Red Cross has begun to send relief workers to affected towns, but significant aid efforts will take time.
In the face of this crisis, communities are coming together. Local tea shops are offering free drinks and snacks to those affected, and individuals are sharing resources. Kanchi, a vegetable vendor, emphasized the importance of supporting each other during this difficult time. 'We are not rich but none of that matters because we all have to come together,' she said.
As the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan approaches, many in the region are choosing not to celebrate due to the ongoing tragedy. Raja Ram, a local resident, reflected on the significance of the festival while mourning the losses in his community. Communication remains difficult, with poor phone signals and intermittent wifi complicating the search for missing persons. As the rain continues, Prem Bahdur Tamang remains hopeful yet fearful for his nephew, echoing the sentiments of many others affected by this disaster.