health
At least 93,000 ‘in great need’ after Nepal-Tibet flash floods, says Red Cross
Federation says it fears death toll of more than 540 will continue to rise as rescuers reach cut-off areas
TL;DR
- Flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border have killed at least 543 people (538 in Nepal, 5 in Tibet).
- The Red Cross estimates at least 93,000 people have been affected, with thousands of homes destroyed or damaged.
- Over 1,900 people are reported missing, including foreign nationals.
- The floods were triggered by a large section of a Himalayan glacier breaking loose, causing a massive surge of water, mud, rock, and ice.
- Infrastructure, including over 40 bridges and more than 40km of road, has been destroyed, making access to affected areas difficult.
- Rescue operations have been temporarily suspended due to fears of further flooding from overflowing debris dams.
- Nepal has stated it does not currently require foreign assistance for search and rescue, though several countries have offered support.