Nepal deploys rescuers after massive flood

Nepal is grappling with the aftermath of a massive flood that surged through the northern Rasuwa district on Wednesday, leaving a trail of destruction. The torrents of muddy water have severely damaged roads and power infrastructure, prompting an urgent response from authorities to assess the full scale of the devastation.

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We do not exactly know the extent of damage, but the flood is big, and it could have damaged many settlements.

Videos circulating on social media depict the powerful floodwaters carving through mountain valleys in the Himalayan district, which borders China. Nepal Police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle stated that the extent of the damage is still unknown but acknowledged the flood's significant impact on settlements. "We have alerted people who are staying near the riverside to relocate… and deployed all our resources," Kafle said.

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We have alerted people who are staying near the riverside to relocate… and deployed all our resources.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah convened an emergency meeting to coordinate relief efforts, involving medical teams, scouts, and the Red Cross. The Nepal Army has dispatched helicopters and disaster response personnel to the affected region. The Nepal Electricity Authority reported that approximately 430 megawatts of power generation capacity, encompassing hydropower and solar facilities, has been damaged, leading to widespread electricity supply disruptions. Several major highways have also been rendered impassable.

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Work has started to take necessary steps in coordination with the medical team, scouts, and Red Cross.

Scientists note that the region is prone to floods and landslides during the monsoon season from June to September, and climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events.

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The work of collecting details of the damage is underway.