KATHMANDU, Nepal – The Nepalese government has issued a fresh flood alert for areas worst hit by the recent catastrophic floods, as the death toll continues to rise. With over 900 confirmed fatalities and thousands still missing, the situation remains critical in the aftermath of the devastating natural disaster.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that the death toll has now reached 903, with 4,247 people reported missing. Across the border in China, authorities have reported 16 deaths and 546 missing individuals. These figures are expected to rise as rescuers continue their efforts to reach remote and flood-affected areas.
The latest flood warning was issued after water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose significantly, prompting authorities to send emergency alerts to residents' phones. The Chinese authorities informed their Nepalese counterparts of increased water flow upstream, heightening concerns about the potential for further flooding.
Survivors in flood-affected districts are struggling to come to terms with the destruction. Govind Shreshta, a resident of a flood-hit village, described the constant alarms and the arduous task of carrying his elderly parents to safety. "Sometimes they say a flood is coming, then we have to run again to higher ground, even at night. There is also rain," he said. "It's really difficult for me."
In Dhading, one of the worst-hit regions, some residents have begun returning to their ruined homes to see what can be salvaged. Sharmila Tamang, another resident, expressed the overwhelming sense of loss. "Everything is finished. Nothing is left. Not even our home," she said.
The floodwaters have also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including a key power plant that serves over 20,000 people across four districts. Workers began inspecting the facilities on Sunday to assess the extent of the damage.
The U.S. State Department has confirmed that there are currently 85 Americans unaccounted for in Nepal, with nine having been safely evacuated. "Right now we're in communication with them directly to assess those needs," said U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott. The State Department has activated $3.6 million in emergency humanitarian assistance, including food for up to 10,000 households.
The missing also include hundreds of people from over a dozen countries who were in the region to work, visit the mountains, or make a pilgrimage to a sacred peak. Chinese state media reported that 261 foreigners are missing in Tibet, including over a hundred Nepalis and others from around the world.
The recent flash floods began after a glacial collapse high in the Himalayan region. Scientists who studied satellite images said the bedrock underneath a glacier had collapsed, taking part of the glacier with it. The rockfall was so extreme that it registered as a magnitude 5.2 earthquake. The rocks and melted water then swelled the rivers in the valleys below, causing a torrent of water that swept buildings, bridges, and earth downstream in Tibet and Nepal.
Nepal's foreign minister has called for a global response to climate change, noting that Nepal is bearing a disproportionate share of its impact. The disaster has underscored the urgent need for international cooperation to address the challenges posed by climate change and to support communities affected by such extreme weather events.
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