Posted by Onlanka Information on August 26, 2026 – 9:54 pm
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of the respective homeowners)
Not less than 95 folks have died and a whole bunch stay lacking after an enormous flash flood swept by northern Nepal and downstream areas in the present day (August 26).
Nepal Police stated 95 our bodies had been recovered from Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan, Tanahun and East Nawalparasi districts.
The victims embody males, ladies and kids, whereas a number of the our bodies haven’t but been recognized.
In accordance with the newest figures from the Nepal Tourism Board, 403 vacationers stay lacking, together with 341 international nationals and 62 Nepalis. The lacking international vacationers are from greater than 25 international locations.
One other 85 safety personnel are additionally lacking, together with 44 Nepal Military members, 28 Nepal Law enforcement officials and 13 Armed Police Pressure personnel.
In the meantime, 60 folks linked to the 20-megawatt Langtang Khola Hydropower Undertaking stay out of contact.
Nepal Police stated not less than 63 injured folks have been receiving remedy at hospitals within the affected areas and in Kathmandu.
The flood struck at round 8:40 AM and induced extreme destruction in Rasuwa district close to Nepal’s border with Tibet. Timure, Rasuwagadhi and Syabrubesi have been among the many worst-affected areas.
Floodwaters rushed by the Bhote Koshi River earlier than persevering with downstream into the Trishuli River, damaging or sweeping away settlements, markets, police workplaces, roads, bridges, financial institution buildings and hydropower amenities.
Authorities figures present that 19 highway bridges and about 40 kilometres of roads have been broken. Electrical energy and communication providers have been additionally disrupted, making it troublesome for authorities to achieve some affected areas.
The Nepal Military, Nepal Police and Armed Police Pressure have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Navy and personal helicopters are additionally getting used to rescue stranded folks.
Nonetheless, broken roads, dangerous climate and excessive river ranges have affected rescue efforts.
The precise reason for the catastrophe has not but been confirmed.
Preliminary evaluation of satellite tv for pc photos indicated that a big mass of snow and rock could have fallen into the Lhende River close to the Nepal-China border, sending water, mud and particles downstream.
A magnitude 4.4 earthquake was recorded within the border area shortly earlier than the flood. Nepalese authorities are investigating whether or not the earthquake triggered an avalanche or landslide.
Specialists are additionally analyzing whether or not a glacial lake burst or a brief blockage within the river contributed to the catastrophe.
A neighborhood official stated no rain had been reported across the Rasuwa district headquarters earlier than the flood.
Authorities have warned that one other flood may happen as a result of particles should be blocking a part of the river upstream. Individuals residing close to the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers have been suggested to maneuver to safer areas.
The Nepalese authorities has declared the affected native areas catastrophe disaster zones for 3 months.
The federal government has additionally ordered free medical remedy for the injured and the pressing distribution of meals, shelter and different reduction provides to affected communities.
