Nepal on alert: Search efforts intensified after catastrophic flood in Rasuwa
The President of Nepal, Ram Chandra Paudel, has issued an urgent call to all government institutions, security forces, and civil society to redouble rescue efforts following the devastating flood that struck the northern region of the country, near the border with Tibet. The president emphasized the need for a coordinated response to locate the hundreds of people missing as a result of this natural phenomenon.
In this moment of crisis, I call upon the Government, political parties, social organizations, all agencies, including security forces, and the citizenry in general to intensify rescue and relief efforts.
Ram Chandra Paudel, President of Nepal
Worrying figures of missing persons
The Nepal Tourism Board has reported an alarming figure of 384 people whose whereabouts are unknown. Among those affected are 93 local citizens and 291 foreigners, coming from various nations, including India, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, and the Netherlands. Given this situation, authorities are working hard to establish contact with those affected and coordinate with the corresponding embassies.
- Confirmed victims: At least 16 people have lost their lives.
- Disaster zone: The Government has officially declared Rasuwa a disaster zone for a period of three months.
- Logistical obstacles: The destruction of bridges and roads hinders the access of emergency teams to the most remote areas.
The earthquake as a possible trigger
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has proposed a hypothesis regarding the origin of the disaster: a 4.4 magnitude earthquake recorded by the United States Geological Survey in Tibetan territory. It is suspected that the seismic movement caused a landslide that blocked a riverbed, creating an accumulation of water that, upon being suddenly released, caused the flood in Nepalese territory.
Currently, the security deployment is focused on searching through rubble and attempting to restore communications in communities that remain isolated. The priority continues to be finding survivors while terrain conditions allow for the advance of rescue brigades.
The tragedy not only represents a humanitarian crisis, but also a hard blow to the region’s tourism sector, known for its high mountain routes. Authorities remain hopeful of obtaining a clearer assessment as access to critical areas is achieved and traveler records in the area are verified.
