A drone view shows the devastating aftermath of flash floods in Nepal, with mud-covered homes and damaged infrastructure as rescue teams continue searching for missing people (Img: X)
Kathmandu: Nepal continues to battle the devastating aftermath of deadly flash floods that have killed more than 780 people, with over 2,500 still missing. Among those unaccounted for are around 275 Indians and several foreign nationals, as rescue teams race against time to locate survivors and recover bodies.
The disaster, triggered by a massive glacial collapse and ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, unleashed powerful floodwaters through several regions, destroying homes, roads, bridges and hydropower projects.
Amid ongoing rescue operations, authorities have issued a fresh warning after water levels in the Bhotekoshi River started rising again. Nepal’s disaster management officials urged residents and rescue personnel in flood-affected areas to remain alert and take precautionary measures.
The warning has added to fears among survivors already struggling to rebuild their lives after the deadly floods.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said more than 275 Indians and 128 people of Indian origin remain missing or are still non-contactable in Nepal. Meanwhile, 149 Indians have been rescued so far.
Nearly 9,500 people have been rescued from affected areas, including locals and tourists from several countries.
In Nepal’s hospitals, relatives continue to search for missing family members as authorities struggle to identify bodies recovered from flood-hit areas.
Officials said only a small number of bodies have been identified so far due to their severely damaged condition. DNA samples are being collected to help families identify their loved ones.
More than 20,000 security personnel have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Helicopters, tunnel rescue teams and technical experts from India and other countries are assisting Nepal in reaching trapped people.
India has also sent relief material, forensic experts and specialised rescue teams to support operations in the Himalayan nation.
The floods have damaged multiple hydropower projects, washed away highways and destroyed key infrastructure. Rescue efforts remain challenging due to rainfall, landslides and rising water levels.
As Nepal struggles with one of its deadliest flood disasters, thousands of families are waiting for news of their missing relatives while rescue teams continue their search through devastated areas.
