Kathmandu/Beijing: The United Nations has expressed solidarity with Nepal and China following a devastating flood disaster that has reportedly claimed 157 lives, while hundreds of people from several countries remain unaccounted for.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, conveyed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished those injured a speedy recovery. He also praised emergency personnel involved in rescue and relief efforts and reaffirmed the UN’s readiness to provide additional assistance as the situation develops.
UN Teams Supporting Nepal’s Relief Assessment
Dujarric said UN teams were working with the Nepalese government to assess the scale of the disaster and identify urgent humanitarian requirements. UN agencies and humanitarian partners are also mobilising personnel and essential supplies for affected communities.
The international response is being coordinated with Nepalese authorities as rescue teams continue efforts to determine the full extent of casualties, missing persons and infrastructure damage.
Indians Among Those Missing
The disaster has also affected foreign nationals, including Indians. Nepalese authorities have reported that at least 134 Indian nationals were among those who had lost contact with relatives or authorities.
Many of the missing Indians were reportedly pilgrims travelling as part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to the sacred mountain region in Tibet.
Nepal’s Tourism Board said people from several other countries were also reported missing, including 47 Americans, 33 British nationals, 34 Australians, 24 Canadians and 19 Malaysians. Some South African nationals were also reported unaccounted for as authorities continued to verify information.
Sudden Flood Hit Nepal-Tibet Border Area
The disaster occurred on Wednesday when a powerful surge of water and mud swept through areas near the Nepal-Tibet border. The sudden torrent reportedly caught people by surprise and caused extensive destruction, with buildings, bridges and other infrastructure either washed away or buried.
The areas around Rasuwagadhi on the Nepalese side and Gyirong in Tibet were among those severely affected. Rescue personnel have been facing challenging conditions while attempting to reach isolated areas and locate people still missing.
Security Personnel Among the Missing
Nepalese authorities have also reported that several security personnel deployed in the affected region remain out of contact. Those reported missing include 44 Nepal Army personnel, 28 police officers stationed at different posts and 13 members of the Armed Police Force.
Search and rescue operations are continuing as authorities gather information from affected areas. Officials have cautioned that the casualty and missing-person figures could change as communication links are restored and rescue teams reach previously inaccessible locations.
Heavy Damage to Infrastructure
The flooding has caused substantial damage to infrastructure and property. Preliminary assessments indicate that nine hydropower projects, facilities linked to several commercial banks and at least 19 motorable bridges were either destroyed or severely damaged.
Numerous public and private properties have also been affected. Government agencies, security forces, emergency responders and humanitarian organisations are continuing relief and search operations while authorities work to establish the full scale of the disaster.
The United Nations’ offer of further assistance comes as Nepal and the affected communities face the difficult task of rescuing survivors, locating missing people and beginning recovery efforts in areas hit by the sudden and destructive floods.
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