The death toll from flash floods and landslides in northern Nepal has risen to 289. At least 1,500 people are still missing in the devastating disaster. More than 450 of them are foreign nationals.
It is reported that the missing include 133 Indian nationals and citizens of at least 28 countries, including the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, and Malaysia. The army, police, and volunteers are continuing operations to rescue the missing.
An earthquake struck the mountainous areas of Bagmati province bordering Tibet at around 8:30 am local time on Wednesday (August 26). It was followed by multiple avalanches and landslides. Later, a massive landslide hit the central Rasua area.
The strong currents flooded vast areas in an instant. Houses and various structures were washed away. Rescue work has also become difficult as communication systems in remote areas have been disrupted.
Hundreds of pilgrims and tourists heading to Mansarovar were staying in the Rasua area at the time of the disaster. As a result, the number of foreign nationals among the missing is significant.
A state of emergency has been declared in the area to deal with the situation. Along with army and police personnel, local volunteers are working to rescue the stranded people.
The effects of these devastating flash floods and landslides have spread across the border from Nepal to China’s Tibet region, where extensive damage has also been reported.