Authorities in Nepal are utilizing helicopters and zip lines to access remote villages affected by severe flooding. Rescue teams are working continuously to reach individuals trapped in hydropower facilities following flash floods that occurred over a week ago in the Himalayas.
The floods, which scientists attribute to a glacier collapse near the Langtang Lirung mountain peak, have resulted in the destruction of villages, roads, and bridges in both Nepal and Tibet. As of Thursday, the death toll has surpassed 1,270, with over 4,700 individuals reported missing. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) of Nepal has confirmed that 1,252 bodies have been recovered, while 4,216 remain unaccounted for. Many workers are believed to be trapped inside hydropower plants, including those in tunnels near the border with China.
In Tibet, Chinese authorities have reported 21 deaths and 541 people missing. Sanjay Kc, an officer from the Nepalese army engineering department, expressed hope for survivors, stating, "We still hope there are some survivors inside," as rescue operations continue in the Rasuwa district, one of the hardest-hit areas. Families of the missing are gathering daily, anxiously awaiting news. Pratik Rana, whose father is missing, shared, "Every day I come here hoping to find my father... But every day at sunset I feel my hope fades away."
Rescue operations are employing all available resources, including zip lines and helicopters, to assist those trapped in remote areas. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that the floods and mudflows have generated at least 2.2 million tonnes of debris. In Kathmandu, forensic teams are working to identify deceased individuals, with many bodies found in advanced stages of decomposition.
Al Jazeera’s Jessica Washington reported that forensic teams are using identifying features such as tattoos and jewelry, but many bodies present significant challenges for identification. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Balendra Shah stated that authorities would continue searching for survivors while also initiating rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.
Dharma Raj Upreti, chief of the NDRRMA, informed Reuters that approximately 20,000 houses will need to be rebuilt, including 7,500 that have been completely destroyed. He emphasized the importance of relocating communities to safer areas to avoid future risks. As of Monday, the UN reported that over 3,400 displaced individuals are residing in 27 displacement sites in Nuwakot and Rasuwa, primarily in schools.
Nepali officials have highlighted the responsibility of major greenhouse gas emitters to support vulnerable nations like Nepal. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that the government has submitted a formal climate compensation claim letter to international partners.