Rescue Efforts Continue in Nepal and Tibet as Flood Toll Rises
Rescue operations entered their fifth day on the Nepal-Tibet border after flash floods devastated the area on Wednesday. The floods, which struck the Bhote Kosi river region on August 26, have caused widespread destruction, with authorities in Nepal reporting at least 675 deaths and more than 2,400 people missing, according to the country's disaster response agency.
The cause of the disaster is believed to be a glacier collapse, as suggested by the US Geological Survey and local officials. The resulting flow of water, mud, and debris has severely impacted the region, including multiple under-construction hydropower sites where workers remain trapped.
In Nepal, more than 18,700 rescuers have been deployed to search for survivors. The effort has been hampered by adverse weather, with continuous rain increasing water flow and posing risks to rescue operations. Nepalese Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha provided updates on Saturday, noting that at the Trishuli-3 'A' hydropower site, rescuers had drilled a hole into one of the facility's cable tunnels. Initial inspection revealed no debris inside, but no communication has been established with anyone within. The hope is to enlarge the hole enough for a person to enter, potentially allowing access to the main tunnel. Shrestha indicated that rescuers would work through the night, though operations could be suspended "for some time as water flow is increasing due to continuous rain." Rescue efforts were also ongoing at the Trishuli-3 'B' facility.
Specialist teams from China and India have joined Nepalese rescuers in search and rescue operations linked to several hydroelectric sites in the area.
International Response
India has been actively involved in the relief efforts. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that a tunnel rescue team from India reached Nepal on Saturday, August 29, following a reconnaissance team sent on Friday. India has also dispatched three aircraft carrying relief materials since the disaster began. The MEA stated that at least 287 Indians remain missing as of Saturday, with an additional 128 persons of Indian origin unaccounted for. Six Indian teams of forensic experts are expected to arrive during the weekend to help identify mortal remains.
In Kathmandu, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government "is making every attempt to locate local and foreign nationals" affected by the disaster. The MEA also confirmed that four Indian nationals — Ripu Kumar, Chaneshwar Narzary, Kripa Shankar, and Mohammed Minhajuddin — were rescued from a hydropower project site in Rasuwa district on Saturday.
The United States has pledged 6 million in humanitarian assistance, including up to three months of emergency food aid for 10,000 households affected by the floods. The State Department stated, "There is no higher priority for us than the safety of American citizens," and noted that US embassies in Nepal and China are working closely to assist Americans and support relief efforts.
In Tibet, the official death toll stands at seven, with 554 people reported missing, according to Chinese state media.
The situation remains critical, with rescue teams racing against time and weather to reach those still trapped.