Nepal floods: Bus carrying rescued survivors crashes, 32 injured; the death toll is close to 800 | Today’s news
A bus carrying people rescued from devastating flash floods in Nepal crashed in Danda, east of Nawalparasi, as the country continued a massive rescue and recovery operation. The bus was traveling from Kathmandu to Bardia after evacuating people from flood-hit Rasuwa. A BBC report said 32 of her 38 passengers were injured.
The accident came as the death toll from floods in Nepal reached 788 on Sunday, according to the Nepalese police. More than 2,500 people are still missing and nearly 9,500 have been rescued, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
Flash floods in Nepal: Death toll reaches 788
The floods and landslides struck on August 26 after authorities believed a collapse or avalanche of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border. Gusts of water surged downstream through the Bhotekoshi river system, destroying homes, roads and bridges and damaging hydroelectric infrastructure.
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The recent flash floods in Nepal were triggered by the collapse of a glacier, which resulted in a torrent of rocks, ice, mud and debris flowing through mountain river systems, devastating the affected areas.
According to the latest reports, the death toll from the floods in Nepal has reached 794, with more than 2,500 people still reported missing.
Rescue operations in Nepal include nearly 20,000 security personnel using ground and air crews, including helicopters, to evacuate individuals from affected areas and search for missing persons.
Authorities are dealing with problems such as damaged roads and infrastructure, rising water levels and difficult weather conditions that are complicating evacuation and rescue operations.
Families of missing persons should stay in touch with local authorities for updates and may be required to provide identifying information to assist in the recovery of missing persons.
Read also | 149 Indians rescued from flood-hit Nepal during ongoing evacuation efforts: MEA
Authorities said 2,502 people, including 591 foreigners, were still missing.
Chitwan recorded the highest number of deaths at 264, followed by Nawalparasi East with 197 and Nawalparasi West with 120. Gorkha reported 61 deaths, Nuwakot 52, Dhading 50, Tanahun 37 and Rasuwa 13.
Bhotekoshi River rises, authorities issue new warning
The flood crisis remains active, with authorities warning of rising water levels in the Bhotekoshi River.
“The water level in the flooded Bhotekoshi River has risen to some extent; all concerned are advised to take precautionary measures,” NDRRMA said, adding that further updates would follow.
Read also | Nepal rebuilds flood rescue, seeks technical assistance and billions of dollars
Authorities also warned of a “high risk of flash flooding” in Nuwakot and Rasuwa, where rescue and relief operations continue amid difficult terrain and weather conditions.
A bus carrying flood evacuees crashed in Nawalparasi
The bus involved in the accident was carrying 38 people from Kathmandu towards Bardia after the passengers were rescued from flood-hit Rasuwa.
According to a BBC report, 32 people were injured. The circumstances of the accident were not immediately clear.
The accident adds to the challenges facing evacuation efforts as damaged roads and infrastructure continue to impede movement in flood-affected areas.
54 people of Karnataka were rescued from Nepal
India is also helping citizens stranded in flood-hit Nepal. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said 54 residents of the state had returned home safely, while efforts continued to evacuate those still stranded.
“After the flash floods and landslides in Nepal, I spoke to Resident Commissioner Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi and reviewed the progress of rescue operations for Kannadigas stranded there. Our government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safe return of those stranded in Nepal,” he said.
He added, “I am happy to share that 54 Kannadigas have already returned home safely. I assure the families of those still stranded not to worry. The government is with you and making every effort to ensure that everyone returns home safely.”
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The disaster also hit neighboring Tibet, where 16 people were killed and nearly 550 were missing, according to Chinese media reports.
Rescue teams continue to retrieve bodies and search for missing people, while authorities remain on alert for more flash floods along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.
