Nepal: 19 Dead and Nearly 400 Missing After Severe Flooding

13:32

Nepal is facing a new natural disaster after severe flooding and landslides occurred on Wednesday in several areas of the country. The latest toll reported by authorities indicates at least 19 dead and 384 people missing, including 291 foreign tourists.

Search operations are ongoing in the hardest-hit regions, where weather conditions and the extent of the damage complicate rescue efforts.

A Valley in the Himalayas Hard Hit

Among the affected areas is the district of Rasuwa, located in the Himalayas and bordering China. Images released by the police show a significant mass of muddy water rushing down a valley, illustrating the violence of the phenomenon.

According to a police official, 19 bodies have been found so far. Several members of the forces deployed on the ground are also reportedly unreachable, as searches continue in the most difficult-to-access areas.

The scale of the disaster also affects the tourism sector. According to an initial count conducted with the support of businesses and travel agencies, 384 tourists are currently missing. Among them, 291 are foreign nationals and 93 are Nepalese citizens. Authorities are still working to determine their whereabouts and verify their status.

Army Mobilized for Rescue Operations

In light of the extent of the affected areas, the Nepalese army has deployed soldiers and helicopters to assist in search and rescue operations. Several infrastructures have also suffered damage, particularly in the electricity sector.

Authorities remain mobilized as the toll could change depending on the progress of operations on the ground and access to the most isolated areas.

Monsoon: A High-Risk Season

Nepal is regularly exposed to flooding and landslides during the monsoon season, which generally lasts from June to September in much of South Asia.

These weather episodes can cause significant damage in mountainous regions, where heavy rainfall weakens soils and promotes landslides. Scientists are also warning about the impact of climate change, which could increase the frequency and intensity of certain extreme weather phenomena.

This new disaster thus highlights the particular vulnerability of Himalayan areas to severe climatic events, as Nepalese authorities continue their efforts to locate the missing and assist affected populations.