Nepal flash floods death toll climbs; Indian nationals evacuated

Death toll and rescue efforts

The death toll from flash floods and landslides in Nepal has risen sharply, with Nepalese authorities reporting 903 dead, while a figure of 788 as of Monday at 07:00 am was also reported. The discrepancy in the numbers reflects the fast-evolving nature of rescue operations. According to reports from The Times of India, around 4,247 people are missing, though the Government of Andhra Pradesh has cited an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 people as missing or uncontactable as of Monday morning.

Rescue efforts are being carried out by nearly 20,000 security personnel and 14 military helicopters, as reported by both ANI and The Times of India. More than 8,700 people have been evacuated by security forces so far, according to reports. India's specialised tunnel-rescue team is assisting at the Trishuli-3A hydropower tunnel, and six specialised surgical teams have been deployed for emergency medical assistance.

The floods and landslides were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche along the Tibet border, according to Nepalese authorities. Heavy rainfall, landslides, and the potential for further hazards from a temporary lake formed in Tibet continue to pose serious risks, as reported by both ANI and The Times of India. More than 25 miles of roads and 40 suspension bridges have reportedly been destroyed.

Casualty and missing figures

Reports on the death toll vary. The Times of India reports that the toll has reached 903, while ANI reports 788 as of Monday at 7:00 am. Around 4,247 people are reported missing by The Times of India; ANI, citing the Andhra Pradesh government, puts the figure at an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 persons still missing or uncontactable. More than 8,700 people have been evacuated by security forces, according to multiple reports. Around 20,000 security personnel and 14 military helicopters are involved in the response, and 10,451 people have been rescued so far, as reported by The Times of India.

Indian nationals affected

At least 149 to 180 Indian nationals have been evacuated from the flood-affected areas, while approximately 275 to 320 remain missing or uncontactable, according to the Andhra Pradesh government. Among those still unaccounted for are 14 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, seven of whom are from the state and seven are non-resident Indians.

A group of 20 Telugu pilgrims who survived reached Kathmandu from Tibet, as reported by ANI and The Times of India. A larger group of 144 pilgrims arrived in Kathmandu from Saga County, Tibet, through the Kodari checkpoint at around 11 pm on Sunday. This group includes 20 Telugu pilgrims, including Sastry and three members of his family. They are scheduled to travel to Mumbai before proceeding to their respective homes, according to the Andhra Pradesh government.

Rescue and relief operations

Nearly 20,000 security personnel and 14 military helicopters remain deployed in rescue and relief operations, according to reports. More than 8,700 people have been evacuated by security forces so far. Additionally, India's specialised tunnel-rescue team is assisting operations at the Trishuli-3 hydropower tunnel, and the authorities have deployed six specialised surgical teams to provide emergency medical assistance.

Nepalese authorities report that the death toll on Monday at 07:00 am had risen to 788, with an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 persons still missing or uncontactable, according to the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The Times of India, citing Nepalese authorities, put the death toll at 903, with around 4,247 people missing and 10,451 rescued. The disaster was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche along the Tibet border, leading to flash floods and landslides in the region.

Indian nationals affected

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has reported that at least 149 to 180 Indian nationals have been evacuated from the affected areas, while approximately 275 to 320 remain missing or uncontactable. Among the missing are 14 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, including seven from the state and seven non-resident Indians.

A group of 144 pilgrims reached Kathmandu from Saga County, Tibet, through the Kodari checkpoint at around 11 pm on Sunday. This group includes 20 Telugu pilgrims, among them Sastry and three members of his family. The evacuated pilgrims are scheduled to travel to Mumbai before proceeding to their respective homes.

State authorities said they are maintaining continuous communication with Nepalese counterparts to track and rescue stranded citizens.

Ongoing risks and response

Rescue operations remain active, with nearly 20,000 security personnel and 14 military helicopters deployed. Six specialised surgical teams are providing emergency medical assistance in the affected areas.

Authorities have flagged serious secondary risks, including more than 25 miles of roads and 40 suspension bridges destroyed, and a dangerous temporary lake formed in Tibet following the severe flooding. Heavy rainfall, landslides, and the potential for further flooding from the lake continue to pose significant threats to rescue and recovery efforts.