Kathmandu: Nepal's devastating flood crisis has taken a heartbreaking turn, with around 600 children reported missing in the worst-hit districts of Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Rescue teams and families are struggling to trace them as damaged communication networks, destroyed schools and washed-away infrastructure have made the search operation extremely difficult.
The disaster has left hundreds of families waiting anxiously for news about their children. In many areas, schools that once served as key points for tracking students have either been swept away or severely damaged, making it harder for authorities to verify who is safe and who remains missing.
Communication Breakdown Delays Rescue Efforts
Officials say the biggest challenge after the floods is the collapse of communication systems. Phone networks remain disrupted in several affected regions, leaving families unable to contact their loved ones.
Authorities are collecting information from schools, local officials and rescue teams, but incomplete data has slowed down efforts to prepare an accurate list of missing and rescued children.
In Nuwakot alone, officials estimate that hundreds of students may still be unaccounted for. Education authorities are coordinating with school principals to gather verified information as rescue operations continue.
Schools Washed Away, Children Among Worst Affected
The scale of destruction has severely impacted Nepal's education infrastructure. At least 12 schools have been completely destroyed — four in Rasuwa and eight in Nuwakot.
Thousands of children across flood-affected areas have been forced away from their homes, while many remain cut off due to damaged roads, bridges and transport links.
UNICEF has estimated that around 17,000 children have been affected by the floods across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, with urgent humanitarian assistance needed.
Families Wait for Answers
For families searching for missing children, every passing day brings more uncertainty. Many relatives are gathering information through hospitals, rescue centers and temporary help desks, hoping for any update about their loved ones.
The disaster has created a humanitarian crisis beyond the rising death toll, with thousands still missing after the floods.
Rescue teams are now focusing on restoring communication, reaching remote areas and reuniting separated families as Nepal continues its battle against one of its worst natural disasters in recent years.