Death toll rises to 209 in Nepal flood disaster
The Ministry of Home Affairs has confirmed that the devastating floods sweeping across Nepal have claimed 209 lives, with 29 individuals still reported missing and 142 others injured. In a significant rescue operation, the Nepal Army and Police have successfully evacuated over 4,500 people from affected regions.
Today, helicopters were deployed to assist in search and rescue missions in Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Sindhuli, and Lalitpur, resulting in the rescue of 425 individuals. However, the impact of the floods has been catastrophic, with extensive damage to infrastructure. Roads have been blocked or destroyed, and 16 bridges have sustained significant damage, hampering relief efforts and leaving many residents grappling with the loss of personal property and disrupted livelihoods.
The Department of Roads is working tirelessly to clear debris and restore vital connections to Kathmandu. Landslides in Makwanpur have blocked the Bhainse-Bhimphedi road, while partial openings have occurred on roads linking Hetauda to both Kathmandu and Dharan-Chatara. However, the Kulekhani-Fakhel-Farping road remains entirely obstructed.
This morning marked a positive development as two-way traffic resumed along the Prithvi Highway after clearing landslide debris. Since then, over 1,700 vehicles have entered Kathmandu. Efforts to reopen other blocked routes continue, particularly in the landslide-affected areas of Dahding district.
In a separate ongoing rescue operation, passengers stranded along the BP Highway in Kavrepalanchok, due to flooding from the Roshi River, are expected to be rescued soon. A Nepali Army team has been deployed with ropes and aerial support to assist those in need.
As the situation develops, authorities remain focused on providing relief and restoring normalcy in the affected regions.
