Flash floods in central Nepal have killed at least 160 people and left more than 750 others missing, including 133 Indian nationals, after floodwaters swept through communities and disrupted travel in some areas.
The disaster has also left tourists, workers and other people unaccounted for. A 32-member group from Kolkata travelling on the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra is among several groups from West Bengal reported untraceable after the floods on Wednesday.
India sends relief support
India has delivered 10-tonne humanitarian assistance to Nepal. The consignment was handed over by Ambassador Naveen Srivastava to Khadak Raj Paudel, Nepal’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, according to the statement shared by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India’s HADR and medical assistance had reached Kathmandu. He added that more assistance was being mobilised to support relief efforts.
Flood damage across affected communities
The flooding originated in Tibet before sweeping into central Nepal, devastating several towns. Images from the affected area show muddy floodwaters spread across roads and settlements, with damaged vehicles, debris and people gathered near the inundated communities.
Travel has been brought to a halt in some areas, adding to the difficulties faced by residents, visitors and rescue efforts. The reported missing include hundreds of tourists and workers.
Experts said an avalanche was involved in the event, although the available material does not provide further details about its role in triggering the flooding.
The number of reported deaths has varied across the supplied updates, from nearly 100 to nearly 160 and at least 160. The latest figure included in the material is at least 160 deaths, while more than 750 people remain missing.
