Nepal floods claim 579 lives, hundreds still missing.

India confirms 84 nationals rescued, 320 uncontactable.

Nepal is reeling from one of its worst natural disasters since the 2015 earthquake, as catastrophic floods have claimed at least 579 lives and left nearly 1,000 people missing. Chinese authorities reported five additional deaths, raising the combined toll to 584 fatalities, while both countries estimate that around 2,500 individuals remain unaccounted for.

The floods, triggered by a glacial collapse that unleashed torrents of icy debris, were further intensified when a dam on the Tibetan side burst. The US Geological Survey confirmed the glacial event as the primary cause, highlighting the growing vulnerability of Himalayan regions to climate-driven disasters.

Massive Rescue Efforts Underway

Nepal’s disaster authority has mobilised over 14,000 security personnel for search and rescue operations. Despite treacherous conditions, 3,742 people have been rescued so far. Rescue teams remain on high alert, with authorities warning personnel to relocate immediately if conditions worsen.

China temporarily halted rescue work when a debris-formed lake began spilling over, but later resumed operations after officials assessed the danger to be receding. Uncertainty remains over whether this lake is the same debris dam Nepal had warned about earlier.

Impact on Indian Nationals

India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued, including 63 workers from the Trishuli One hydropower project and 21 others who reached Kathmandu. Additionally, 96 Indians stranded on the Chinese side crossed safely into Nepal by land.

However, the situation remains dire, with about 320 Indians and 100 Indian-origin individuals still uncontactable. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that efforts are ongoing to trace and assist those missing.

Nepal’s Deadliest Disaster in a Decade

This flood marks Nepal’s most devastating tragedy since the 2015 earthquake, which killed nearly 9,000 people. The current disaster underscores the fragile balance of life in the Himalayas, where glacial instability and climate change pose increasing risks to communities.

As rescue operations continue into their third day, the focus remains on saving lives and locating the missing. With thousands displaced and infrastructure severely damaged, Nepal faces a long road to recovery from this calamity.