Source Aljajeera
Catastrophic floods along the Nepal–China border have triggered a massive humanitarian crisis, with the death toll now surpassing 600 as both countries intensify rescue and relief operations in the rugged Himalayan region.
The disaster, caused by a sudden glacier collapse, unleashed torrents of water, mud, and debris through mountain river systems, sweeping away entire settlements, bridges, and critical infrastructure. Authorities in Nepal report that hundreds have died, while additional casualties have been confirmed in China’s Tibet region, pushing the combined toll well beyond 600.
Rescue efforts, which were briefly halted due to fears of further flooding from a newly formed high-altitude lake, have now resumed. Officials say the immediate threat has eased after water levels began to recede, allowing search teams to return to the worst-hit areas.
Thousands of personnel from Nepal’s army, police, and disaster response agencies are working alongside Chinese rescue teams to locate survivors. Helicopters have been deployed to airlift stranded residents, deliver food and medical supplies, and transport the injured to hospitals. So far, several thousand people have been rescued, but nearly 3,000 remain missing, raising fears that the death toll could climb further.
The floods have devastated districts such as Nuwakot and regions near the Gyirong border crossing, where entire communities have been buried under mud and debris. Survivors recount scenes of sudden destruction, with little time to escape as walls of water surged through valleys.
Rescue operations remain extremely challenging due to steep terrain, blocked roads, and unstable ground conditions. Authorities are also racing against time to rescue more than 100 people believed to be trapped inside a tunnel at a hydropower project.
The humanitarian situation is worsening as thousands of displaced residents struggle without shelter, clean water, or electricity. Aid agencies estimate that tens of thousands of people have been affected, with urgent needs for food, medical assistance, and temporary housing.
Nepal has appealed for international assistance, particularly technical expertise for search operations and rebuilding efforts, which are expected to cost billions of dollars. Countries including India and China have already sent rescue teams and relief supplies, while more global support is anticipated in the coming days.
As families anxiously await news of missing loved ones, authorities continue to recover bodies, many of which are difficult to identify due to the scale of destruction. DNA sampling is being used before burial to help with identification and prevent health risks.
The tragedy highlights the growing risks posed by climate change in the Himalayas, where melting glaciers and unstable terrain are increasing the likelihood of sudden and deadly floods. With rescue efforts ongoing, the full scale of the disaster is yet to be determined.
