Kathmandu. Days after devastating flash floods in Nepal, the water level of Bhotekoshi river rose again on Sunday, following which people living in flood-affected districts and rescue workers have been advised to remain alert. The death toll in the flash floods that hit Nepal on August 26 crossed 700 on Sunday, while about 2,500 people are still missing.
It is believed that this disaster was caused by an avalanche like incident after the breaking of the glacier near the Nepal-Tibet border. It caused massive destruction in many towns and villages in central Nepal. The Bhotekoshi river, which flows south from the Himalayan border region, carried flood waters downstream, washing away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges and damaging hydroelectric projects.
Bhotekoshi water level rising again
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said in a statement that the water level of the river has risen again. The authority said on Sunday, “The water level of the flood-affected Bhotekoshi river has increased again.” All concerned are urged to take precautionary measures.'' NDRRMA said it would update the situation as more information becomes available.
2,500 people still missing
The process of finding dead bodies continues in Nepal amidst intermittent rains and rising water level of rivers. Search and rescue operations are also being conducted continuously. According to officials, about 2,500 people are still missing after the disaster, including 320 foreign nationals. On the Chinese side too, seven people have died in this disaster, while more than 500 people are missing. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said on Saturday that more than 275 Indians and 128 people of Indian origin are still missing or cannot be contacted after the floods, while 108 others have been rescued.
India is continuously sending help
India has provided 68.5 tonnes of relief material to flood-hit Nepal and sent technical teams, forensic experts and equipment to assist in search and rescue operations. The Indian Embassy gave this information. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said in a statement on Saturday that India has sent an expert technical team, including tunneling experts and support equipment for search and rescue operations. The aid has been sent to hydropower tunnels where workers are feared stranded after Wednesday's devastating floods.
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on 'X' that the fourth plane carrying 11 tonnes of relief material reached Nepal on Sunday. “This includes a team of tunneling experts as well as support equipment for search and rescue operations, a team of forensic experts for DNA analysis and relief supplies including blankets, 'sleeping bags', tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
America announced assistance of 36 lakh dollars
The assistance announced by the US includes emergency food assistance for up to 10,000 families affected by the disaster. The US State Department said on social media platform X that the safety of American citizens is its top priority. According to the department, the US embassies present in Nepal and China are cooperating with the local administration in helping and relief efforts for American citizens. The disaster occurred after a portion of a glacier broke off in the Himalayas on Wednesday.
Foreign tourists have also been affected by the disaster. According to US officials, about 100 American citizens are among the missing. According to Nepal's Disaster Management Agency, a total of 589 foreign nationals are reported missing in the country. Meanwhile, according to Nepal Tourism Board, 261 foreign nationals have been evacuated safely so far. A massive relief and rescue operation is being conducted to search for the missing people.
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