1,252 people killed in Nepal floods, whereabouts of another 4,216 unknown
As a result of devastating floods that swept through northern and central Nepal on August 26, 1,252 people were killed. As of September 3, the whereabouts of another 4,216 people had not been established. According to Channel NewsAsia, the worst-hit mountain villages remain cut off from roads, so rescuers and supplies are being delivered there by helicopter.
The flooding swept through the Trishuli River valley, one of Nepal's key hydropower regions. The disaster damaged hydropower facilities, access roads and workers' camps located along the river.
Destruction near the border with China
Near the border with China, the floods destroyed infrastructure in the Rasuwagadhi area, Nepal's busiest overland trade route with China. A customs yard and dry port were destroyed, and the border crossing ceased operations.
In the village of Syabrubesi, about 15 km from the border, there were around 250 houses and hotels on the riverbank. CNA estimates that about 80% of these structures have disappeared. A Nepalese military officer said that about 200 local residents were killed or went missing, along with about 400 other people, including foreigners.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Searches in hydropower project tunnels
The rescue operation continues near the entrances to hydropower project tunnels. On September 3, the Nepalese army confirmed that two bodies had been recovered from one such facility. Nearly 900 hydropower workers remain missing. Authorities believe that some people may have survived in dry sections of the tunnels, where there could potentially have been access to air, water and emergency supplies.
The tunnel entrances are blocked by mud and stones and flooded with water. According to the military officer, rescuers are making openings in blocked access routes to lower excavators inside and clear the debris. Of the 1,252 bodies found as of September 3, only 95 had been identified.
About 4,000 displaced people are staying in temporary centers. UNICEF warned that damage to water supply and sanitation systems, as well as overcrowded shelters, increases the risk of disease spreading. At least 22,000 children need safe water and hygiene supplies.
