Nepal flash floods: Death toll rises to 903, over 4,200 still missing as rescue operations intensify
The death toll from catastrophic flash floods and landslides in Nepal has risen to 903, according to Nepalese authorities, as large-scale rescue operations continue across flood-hit areas.The disaster has also left around 4,247 people missing, while 10,451 people have been rescued so far, the data showed.The floods and landslides, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche along the Tibet border, have left thousands of people missing or uncontactable, while nearly 20,000 security personnel and 14 military helicopters have been deployed for rescue and relief operations.The government of Andhra Pradesh said that, as of 7 am on Monday, an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 people remained missing or uncontactable, while more than 8,700 people had been evacuated by security forces.Several Indian nationals are also still untraceable following the floods and landslides. Authorities said between 149 and 180 Indians have been evacuated, while around 275 to 320 remain missing or uncontactable.Among those unaccounted for are 14 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, including seven from the state and seven non-resident Indians.Meanwhile, 20 Telugu pilgrims who survived the floods safely reached Kathmandu from Tibet. The Andhra Pradesh government said a group of 144 pilgrims arrived in Kathmandu from Saga County, Tibet, through the Kodari checkpoint at around 11 pm on Sunday.The group includes 20 Telugu pilgrims, including Sastry and three members of his family. They are scheduled to travel to Mumbai on Tuesday before proceeding to their respective homes.Authorities are maintaining continuous coordination with Nepalese counterparts to locate and rescue stranded Indians, particularly pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh.
Rescue teams deployed across affected areas
Around 20,000 security personnel and 14 military helicopters remain engaged in relief operations, while six specialised surgical teams have been deployed to provide emergency medical assistance.India’s specialised tunnel-rescue teams and technical experts are also assisting with operations at the Trishuli-3A hydropower tunnel, where workers remain trapped.More than 25 miles of roads and 40 suspension bridges have reportedly been destroyed, according to the Andhra Pradesh government.Heavy rainfall, landslides and blocked valleys continue to hamper rescue efforts. Authorities are also monitoring a potentially dangerous temporary lake formed in Tibet following severe flooding, amid concerns over further risks to affected areas.The Andhra Pradesh government said it remains in constant contact with Nepalese authorities regarding the evacuation, identification and welfare of Indian nationals, particularly pilgrims from the state.
