Authorities in Nepal continued mass burials on September 1, 2026, following catastrophic floods that swept down high mountain valleys, resulting in extensive destruction. The death toll has surpassed 1,000, with thousands of individuals still unaccounted for. In China, officials report 16 deaths and nearly 550 missing, though the transparency of these reports has been questioned. Neil Connery of ITV News provided coverage from the disaster zone.
In a remote village, a family is mourning the loss of four members, feared dead. Pramod Poudel, who traveled from Britain to be with his father, the only surviving member of his immediate family, expressed his grief. He described the devastation of his childhood home, stating, "As you can see, there's nothing. Nothing exists."
Pramod reflected on his wife, who had recently moved from Croatia to marry him, saying, "And now she's gone, you know? So, yes, it's very, very sad, yes." He is attempting to reach a rescue center to search for any missing family members.
Purusottam Poudel, Pramod's father, recounted his experience during the floods, stating, "I heard the flood warnings and tried to call my family. But I couldn't get through. I jumped on my motorbike to try and warn everyone. I saw the wave in the distance and ran up the hill. I survived by seconds." He noted that his son is now his only reason to live.
Pramod and his uncle trekked eight hours to rescue his father. Prakash Pyakurel, another family member, described the emotional reunion, saying, "He just suddenly saw his son and he was hugging him with a big cry. So that was a kind of emotional moment. I think it's -- you cannot describe in words."
The floods have impacted many families in the region, with rescue helicopters continuing operations above the devastation. Pramod expressed gratitude to be with his father during this difficult time.