Nearly 600 Dead, 2,500 Missing in Nepal Floods; 320 Indians Still Untraced as Another Flood Threat Emerges

Kathmandu: The severe flood in Nepal has caused massive destruction. The death toll after floods and landslides has reached around 600, while around 2,500 people are reported missing. A large number of foreign nationals and Indians have also been affected by this disaster. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, 320 Indians and about 100 people of Indian origin have not yet been contacted.

How did the floods start in Nepal?

According to preliminary investigation, after the glacier broke in the mountainous areas of Nepal, a large part of ice, rocks and debris came downwards. Due to this, the flow of the river was disrupted for some time and later the water made its way downwards at high speed. Its maximum impact was seen in the areas around Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.

Many houses, roads, bridges and power projects were damaged in the strong currents. Connectivity to many areas has also been lost, due to which relief and rescue teams are facing difficulties in reaching the affected people.

Why did the lake formed on the way of the river increase the concern?

A temporary lake has formed due to debris in the course of the river following the flood. Due to accumulation of large amount of water in it, there is a danger of sudden flood in the areas below if it breaks. This lake is being continuously monitored by the officials.

Till Saturday morning, the flow of Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers was declared normal, but the administration has not considered the danger completely over. People living around the river and rescue teams have been advised to remain alert.

How many people died and how many are missing?

According to latest reports, about 600 people have died due to this disaster in Nepal and Tibet and about 2,500 people are missing. The figures are constantly changing as information and bodies are recovered from remote areas.

Nepal's Foreign Ministry had said on August 28 that 538 bodies had been recovered in the country. At the same time, the number of missing foreign nationals was also quite high.

Why couldn't contact be made with 320 Indians?

According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, 320 Indian citizens and about 100 people of Indian origin have not been contacted. Some of these people are feared to be trapped in the tunnels of Trishuli Hydroelectric Project. However, 320 Indians are not reported dead. This number is of those people who cannot be contacted at present.

At the same time, about 400 Indians present in Tibet have been contacted and they have been declared safe. Some Indians stranded near the border have also reached Nepal. India has offered help in the rescue operation by sending relief material to Nepal.

Is there still a risk of flood?

The danger has not completely gone away. In the event of water rising in the temporary lake formed in the course of the river or breaking of the natural barrier, sudden flash floods may occur. Therefore, the areas around Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers are being continuously monitored. Relief and rescue teams have also been instructed to conduct operations with caution.

Important: No contact with 320 Indians does not mean confirmation of their death. This data relates to people missing or currently uncontacted.