Nepal landslide: Hundreds search for survivors as floodwaters recede

Hundreds of aid workers scoured a northern Nepalese valley on Thursday for survivors after a colossal landslide unleashed a devastating torrent of water, mud, ice, and rock. The deluge, described as tsunami-like, swept away buildings, bridges, buses, and cars in mere seconds.

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Our aid workers have never seen anything like it.

"Our aid workers have never seen anything like it," said Ayush Joshi, program manager for Save the Children in Nepal. "We have had landslides before. But never like this. The scale of this destruction is completely unique." Joshi noted that the disaster's scope is immense, with a valley stretching for miles, impacting several towns and smaller communities.

The landslide, which occurred on Wednesday morning, is believed by the U.S. Geological Survey to have been caused by a collapsing glacier on the China-Nepal border. Access to the affected areas is severely hampered by blocked roads and widespread destruction, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach those in need. Save the Children is distributing tents, sanitary kits, and other necessities, estimating that at least 50,000 households have been affected.

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We have had landslides before. But never like this. The scale of this destruction is completely unique.

Concerns are mounting for the thousands of people isolated in mountain villages, with disrupted water supplies raising the risk of disease outbreaks. "To the most vulnerable areas, we can now only reach by helicopter," Joshi stated. "And we are particularly worried about the children." He explained that the landslide occurred just as children were heading to school, leaving many potentially stranded and alone in the mountains.

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It is difficult for our teams to get around. The roads are blocked and the devastation is great. But we are distributing tents to those who have lost their homes, and sanitary kits and other necessities.

As of Thursday midday, 273 bodies had been recovered from the mud and debris. Over 1,300 people remain missing, including approximately 600 foreign nationals. The Nepalese authorities have deployed 8,000 soldiers and police to aid in the search efforts. Significant damage has also been reported on the Chinese side of the border, with at least 500 people missing in Tibet, according to Chinese authorities. Communication remains poor throughout the region, making all figures preliminary.

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The drinking water supply has been knocked out in many places, which risks leading to the spread of diseases. To the most vulnerable areas, we can now only reach by helicopter. And we are particularly worried about the children.