Nepal’s flash floods continue to claim lives, with the toll reaching 788 by Sunday evening. More than 2,500 people are still missing in the floods. 886 people have been rescued, while search and rescue efforts continue, according to Nepal’s foreign ministry. The ministry said 400 foreign nationals are among those reported missing.
Nepal Prioritizes Rescue Efforts Amid Ongoing Crisis
Nepal’s foreign ministry has affirmed that its top priority is to save lives and provide urgent assistance to those affected by the recent crisis. The ministry emphasized the importance of locating missing persons, rescuing individuals trapped in perilous situations, and ensuring that both Nepali and foreign nationals receive necessary support.
In response to the situation, Nepal is coordinating with the international community for additional support as needed. The foreign ministry’s release noted that rescue experts from India, China, and the Republic of Korea have been deployed in collaboration with the Nepali Army to assist in rescuing individuals trapped in tunnels.
The Indian Embassy in Nepal confirmed that a tunnel rescue team from India is actively working alongside the Nepali Army to conduct search and rescue operations at hydropower tunnel sites in the Chilime and Langtang areas. They plan to continue these efforts in close coordination with local authorities.
As of the latest reports, the Ministry of External Affairs of India has provided a list of 149 Indian nationals who have been rescued from the affected areas, detailing their identities and circumstances of their rescue.
“Furthermore, 598 Indian nationals have safely crossed into Nepal from China in the last two days, as per local government sources in China. Around 900 Indian nationals are still on the Chinese side but are safe and contactable,” an MEA release dated August 29 had said.
The assistance includes a tunnel technical contingent along with equipment for search and rescue operations, a team of forensic experts for DNA analysis, and relief supplies, including blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulin, plastic sheets and hygiene kits, the MEA said.
