Punjab Newsline | Kathmandu
A devastating flash flood that struck the Nepal-Tibet border region on Wednesday has left at least 472 people dead and more than 1,500 missing across Nepal and Tibet, triggering one of the worst disasters in the Himalayan region in recent years. Among those unaccounted for are nearly 290 Indian nationals.
The floodwaters surged into Nepal from the Tibetan side, causing widespread destruction in Rasuwa district and several other areas. Authorities have warned that a fresh disaster could unfold as a large volume of water remains trapped in a lake upstream, raising fears of another flood if the natural barrier gives way.
US President Donald Trump has assured Nepal of all possible assistance following the catastrophe. According to NBC News, Trump said he had spoken with Nepali officials to assess the scale of damage and discuss relief requirements.
Despite offers of help from India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries, the Nepal government has declined foreign rescue teams. Officials said the Nepal Army and police are fully capable of managing ongoing search-and-rescue operations and made the decision after consultations with security agencies.
Nepali authorities explained that during the 2015 earthquake, the arrival of numerous international rescue teams created coordination difficulties on the ground. Learning from that experience, the government has chosen to seek financial and humanitarian assistance rather than deploy foreign rescue personnel. India had also offered to send National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, but the proposal was not accepted.
Rescue and relief efforts continue across affected regions as authorities race against time to locate missing people and prevent further casualties amid fears of another flood surge.
Around 100 people are trapped in the tunnel of the Trishuli-3A hydropower project in Nepal due to flooding. Helicopter rescue teams from the Nepali Army are attempting to evacuate them. In a statement issued on Friday, the Prime Minister's Office reported that 350 people have been safely evacuated from the area, but approximately 100 individuals remain trapped inside the tunnel.
