A devastating flood in the Himalayas, caused by a glacial collapse, has left more than 93,000 people in critical condition and cut off entire communities from the outside world. The destruction of bridges and roads has complicated access to areas in northern Nepal, and rescuers are trying to reach the affected people by helicopter.
A massive surge of water, generated by the glacial collapse and composed of ice, rock and sediment, swept everything in its path. According to the Red Cross, over 93,000 people are now in urgent need of assistance.
The flood, which struck northern Nepal and border areas of China in the Tibet region, has killed more than 540 people and left nearly 2,000 missing, according to the latest figures. More than 500 people have already been rescued, but the loss of roads, bridges and other infrastructure hampers access to the hardest‑hit locations.
Humanitarian crisis and isolation
In several places, bridges over the Trishuli river were destroyed or damaged, making crossing impossible and isolating whole communities. “The human and material losses are enormous in this entire area. Literally a few minutes ago, a body was found nearby. We still do not know how many people are missing. Families are especially worried about students who went to school yesterday morning and those trapped on the other side of the Trishuli river,” explains Rajendra Paudel from DEPROSC Nepal, a social organization of Plan International, in Devighat Bazar, one of the most affected areas of the Nuwakot district.
Rescue teams are using helicopters to reach isolated residents, but they have not yet been able to access every affected community. Some families have been forced to abandon their homes and seek shelter on nearby slopes.
The impacted regions are among the most remote in the Himalayas. Along the Nepal‑China border in the Tibet region, villages are tucked among towering mountains. Despite the harsh conditions, thousands of people live in scattered settlements that rely on roads running alongside rivers.
Children among the affected
As search and rescue operations continue, whole communities remain cut off, and some children have been staying in their schools for two days, far from their families. UNICEF estimates that at least 17,000 children have been affected by the disaster in the Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. In addition, 18 schools were destroyed and another 20 were damaged.
The UN agency for children notes that some minors have been separated from their families. They are being placed temporarily in safe locations while searches for parents or relatives continue.
Source: ABC.es
