Nepal Flash Floods Leave Over 500 Dead, Nearly 2,500 Rescued as Search Operations Continue
Kathmandu, August 29: Rescue and relief operations continued in Nepal on Saturday following devastating flash floods that swept through Rasuwa and other parts of central Nepal on Wednesday.
Authorities have so far evacuated 2,465 people, including 163 foreign nationals, as search operations continue in areas hit by the floods.
The disaster has reportedly killed more than 500 people, while nearly 2,000 others remain missing.
163 foreign nationals evacuated
According to the Nepal Army’s Public Relations Directorate, those evacuated include 113 Indians, 26 Chinese, 15 South Koreans, four Germans, two each from Italy and the United States, and one Omani national.
More than 11,000 security personnel have been mobilised for search and rescue operations, including over 5,000 Nepal Army personnel.
2,265 rescued by helicopters
Of the people evacuated so far, 2,265 were rescued by helicopters, while another 200 were evacuated through land routes.
Rescue teams also evacuated 191 workers trapped inside tunnels at various hydropower projects in Trishuli and Rasuwa.
Emergency health centres established at Dhunche and Trishuli have provided medical assistance to 1,706 peopleevacuated from flood-hit areas.
Mugling-Kathmandu highway reopens
The major Mugling-Kathmandu highway resumed operations on Saturday after remaining closed since Wednesday due to flooding and landslide risks, Nepal Police said.
Authorities assessed the situation before allowing vehicles to gradually move along the route.
The reopening has brought relief to passengers who had remained stranded on the highway for several days. However, several national highways and major road sections in central Nepal continue to face disruption due to flood and landslide risks.
Over Rs 2.295 billion collected for disaster relief
More than Rs 2.295 billion has been collected for Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF) by Friday night.
According to sources at the Prime Minister’s Office, the fund received Rs 1.91 billion between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday midnight, while another Rs 385.5 million was contributed on Friday alone.
The Ministry of Finance said the contributions were deposited into accounts held at 10 different commercial banks.
Relief fund balance rises to Rs 4.09 billion
Following the severe flash floods in the Bhotekoshi River, which flows along the Nepal-China border, the government declared affected areas as disaster zones.
Various organisations and individuals subsequently contributed to the relief fund. With the latest contributions, the fund’s balance has increased from Rs 2.17 billion to Rs 4.09 billion.
The Ministry of Finance has been designated as the focal ministry for collecting contributions and coordinating assistance for the disaster-hit areas.
