Nepal flash flood death toll rises to 1,344, police say

Nepal’s flash flood death toll has risen to 1,344, Nepal Police said, as rescue and relief operations continue in areas devastated by the August 26 disaster.

The floods have disrupted daily life and raised urgent public health concerns. Five of 15 drinking water sources in Bidur, one of the areas worst hit by the Bhote Koshi floods, were found to be contaminated with E. coli, The Kathmandu Post reported. Authorities are considering cholera vaccination for about 100,000 vulnerable people and measles vaccination for more than 75,000 children.

Health experts have warned that communicable, non-communicable and vector-borne diseases could increase after the floods. They urged authorities to strengthen preventive and relief measures, particularly for young children, older people and those living with non-communicable diseases. The floods also swept away entire settlements and damaged or destroyed roads, bridges and drinking water systems.

The government has announced immediate financial support for affected areas. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority allocated NPR 10 million each to Rasuwa and Nuwakot, NPR 5 million to Dhading, and NPR 135 million among 15 affected local governments.

Indian specialized tunnel rescue and medical teams are continuing search operations alongside the Nepalese Army. Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava said India had sent five relief flights carrying emergency supplies, deployed specialized tunnel rescue contingents and a 19-member forensic team, and would respond positively to Nepal’s request for reconstruction assistance. A group of U.S. lawmakers has separately called for expanded American relief and search-and-rescue efforts, including deployment of a Disaster Assistance Response Team.