579 dead in Nepal, 320 Indians missing

India mounts a major tracing and relief operation while Nepal deploys helicopters to reach survivors

The devastating floods that swept through parts of Nepal have triggered a massive search-and-rescue operation, with 320 Indian nationals still untraceable and the Nepalese authorities reporting that 579 bodies have been recovered so far.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said efforts were continuing to contact Indian nationals affected by the disaster and to coordinate their safe evacuation. The situation remains fluid as rescue agencies work across areas where roads, bridges and communication links have been badly damaged.

The floods struck on August 26 after a massive collapse of ice, rock and debris in the Himalayan region near the Nepal-China border sent a sudden surge of water and sediment into the river system. The resulting torrent swept through downstream areas, causing widespread destruction.  Several districts have been severely affected, with Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading among the areas facing extensive damage. Homes and other structures were inundated or swept away, while roads and bridges were damaged, leaving several communities difficult to access. The disaster has also hit important transport routes connecting Nepal with the China border, disrupting movement for tourists, pilgrims and workers travelling through the region.

The large number of Indians affected by the floods has become a major concern for New Delhi. The MEA has established a round-the-clock control room to collect information about missing and stranded nationals and coordinate with authorities in Nepal and China. Indian diplomatic missions in Kathmandu and Beijing are also assisting with tracing and evacuation efforts. The government has said that the number of people who remain uncontactable could change as communication is restored and rescue teams reach isolated locations.

At the same time, 21 Tamil Nadu pilgrims rescued from flood-hit areas arrived in New Delhi, while 63 Indian nationals associated with the Trishuli-I hydropower project were also rescued. Another group of Indian nationals stranded on the Chinese side of the border was able to cross into Nepal safely.

The scale of the disaster has become clearer as rescue teams have gained access to affected areas.

According to the latest government figures, 538 bodies had been recovered by Friday. Search teams are continuing to work through mud, debris and damaged structures in an effort to locate people still missing.

Officials are facing major challenges in determining the final casualty figure because several affected areas are remote and difficult to reach. Communication problems have also complicated efforts to establish the whereabouts of people reported missing.

The disaster followed a major ice and rock collapse in the high Himalayan region close to the Nepal-China border. A huge quantity of ice, rock and sediment entered the Lhende Khola river system, generating a powerful flow that moved downstream towards the Bhote Koshi corridor. The surge carried enormous amounts of debris, damaging infrastructure and threatening communities along the river.

The sudden event initially prompted speculation about an earthquake. However, subsequent assessments indicated that seismic activity recorded in the area was associated with the landslide rather than being the primary cause of the disaster.

Rescue efforts are being carried out amid concerns that the danger may not yet be over. A large accumulation of water and debris has created a barrier lake in the river system, raising fears that a breach could produce another sudden flood downstream.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and assessing the stability of the blockage. Developments in Tibet are also being watched because additional water entering the already disrupted river system could increase the danger.

The potential for another flood surge has added to the difficulties facing rescue teams working in already damaged areas. Nepal has mobilised personnel from its Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police to conduct search, rescue and relief operations. Helicopters have been deployed to evacuate stranded people and transport essential supplies to communities cut off by damaged roads and bridges. Food, medicines and other relief material are being delivered to areas that remain inaccessible by road. Private helicopters have also joined the relief effort as authorities attempt to reach people trapped in remote locations. India has stepped up humanitarian assistance to Nepal alongside efforts to locate its nationals. More than 47 tonnes of emergency relief supplies have been sent to the flood-hit country, with additional assistance being prepared.

The MEA is coordinating with Nepalese authorities and Indian state governments as information about missing nationals is gathered and verified.

The immediate focus remains on finding those still untraceable, evacuating stranded people and providing emergency assistance to communities affected by the floods.

With 538 bodies recovered and 320 Indian nationals still untraceable, the disaster has emerged as a major humanitarian crisis in the region. Rescue operations are expected to continue as teams search through the affected river valleys and authorities monitor the risk of further flooding.