Nepal is warning of potential new floods due to rising river levels after catastrophic events killed 750 and left over 3,000 missing. Chinese authorities alerted Nepal of increased upstream water flow, prompting new warnings. Destroyed bridges and lack of electricity continue to hamper recovery efforts.
The ongoing flooding and destruction pose a severe humanitarian crisis, disrupting essential services, isolating communities, and causing significant loss of life and displacement. The threat of further floods exacerbates the challenges faced by survivors and complicates rescue and recovery efforts.
Authorities in Nepal issued warnings of possible fresh flooding on Sunday, urging residents in affected districts to remain on high alert as water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose. Rescue crews were working to clear a major highway connecting Kathmandu to areas devastated by earlier catastrophic floods.
In towns like Galchhi, residents sought higher ground as the river roared past, carrying debris including enormous rocks and engulfing entire villages. Homes, vehicles, and farm tractors were submerged in thick sediment, and landslides damaged rice terraces.
The combined death toll in Nepal and Tibet has climbed to 750, with over 3,000 people reported missing. Nepal's disaster agency reported 734 deaths and 2,498 missing, while Chinese authorities confirmed 16 deaths and 546 missing in Tibet, including many foreigners.
The latest warnings were prompted by information from Chinese authorities regarding increased water flow upstream, according to Dharam Raj Uprety, chief executive of Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Residents expressed exhaustion and distress from constant flood alarms, forcing them to repeatedly seek higher ground. The destruction of bridges has left communities isolated, and many areas remained without electricity on Sunday, with power lines tangled in mud.
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