Search and rescue operations are continuing in Nepal after flash floods and mudslides devastated the country and parts of neighbouring China. Officials said 97 people have been killed as of Thursday morning, August 27, while Nepali Army officials believe another 384 people are missing.
Soldiers pull survivors from mud
Videos released by the army show soldiers carrying out rescue efforts. One clip shows three troops giving a man covered in mud from a mudslide a piggyback to safety, while other footage shows soldiers wading through mud to get stretchers to the injured.
A spokesperson said 54 people have been rescued in the affected zone, which covers both Nepal and China.
Earthquake triggered glacial lake collapse
The flash floods were triggered by an earthquake near the border between the two countries. Records show a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Kodari at 8:37am local time on Wednesday, August 26.
That led to an avalanche in the Himalayas that “eventually caused the collapse of glacial lakes in the Tibet region of China”, said Nepal foreign minister Sishir Khanal.
Mr Khanal added: “Equipped with helicopters, drones and rafting boards, rescuers from all state forces — Nepal Police, Armed Police and Nepal Army — were deployed to the flood-hit area.”
Widespread destruction and missing nationals
Missing people come from the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, Nepal, India, and South Africa. Mudslides have wiped parts of the country off the map, with at least 19 bridges and 200 trucks swept away, and 25 miles of road and 13 hydroelectric projects damaged.
In China, the number of people killed, wounded, or missing is unclear. State-run media reported a mudslide near the Gyirong Port, saying: “The disaster has cut off roads leading to the port on the Chinese side, as well as communications and power supplies.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered “all-out efforts” to find survivors, and called for evacuation and medical treatment in the affected area. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered humanitarian aid to Nepal, saying on X: "Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts."
