Nepal Issues Fresh Flood Alert as Death Toll Rises in Himalayan Disaster

Nepal Issues Fresh Flood Warnings Amid Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts

Dhading, Nepal — Authorities in Nepal issued urgent flood warnings on Sunday as rising water levels in the Bhotekoshi River raised concerns about potential new flooding in already devastated communities. The warnings come just days after catastrophic flash floods on Wednesday killed at least 752 people and left more than 3,000 missing across Nepal and Tibet. Rescue and relief operations continue as officials urge residents in flood-affected districts to remain on high alert.

Early Sunday, flood warning notices were sent directly to mobile phones in affected areas as rescue crews worked to reopen the Prithivi Highway, a vital link between Kathmandu and communities hardest hit by the disaster. The highway, which serves as a critical supply route for food, fuel, and medical aid, remains partially blocked due to flood damage. In Dhading, one of the worst-hit regions, residents returned to ruined homes to assess damage and salvage belongings from layers of thick mud and debris.

The floods, triggered by a massive glacial collapse in the Himalayan region, sent a torrent of water, rock, and sediment rushing through river valleys in both Nepal and Tibet. The glacial collapse, detected as a magnitude 5.2 seismic event, caused rivers including the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli to swell rapidly, destroying homes, bridges, and farmland. Entire villages along the riversides were submerged under gray-brown sediment, with rice terraces and vehicles partially buried or washed away.

The Nepalese disaster agency reported 752 deaths and 2,502 missing as of Sunday, while Chinese authorities confirmed 16 deaths and 546 missing on their side of the border. Among the missing are hundreds of foreign nationals, including over 100 Nepalis, who were in the region for work, tourism, or pilgrimage to sacred sites.

Residents described a grueling cycle of alerts and evacuations, with repeated warnings disrupting daily life and making recovery nearly impossible. "Sometimes they say a flood is coming, then we have to run again to higher ground, even at night," said Govind Shreshta, a local farmer caring for elderly parents. "It's really difficult for me. I must carry them and I am exhausted."

Damaged infrastructure has left thousands stranded. Large concrete and suspension bridges were destroyed, cutting off access between communities on opposite sides of the river. "Those who are there are now stuck there. Those who are here are stuck here," said Sattan Singh Tamang, 47, who witnessed the floods firsthand.

Power supply remains disrupted across several districts. At a damaged power plant serving over 20,000 people, workers began inspecting the facility to assess the extent of the damage. Throughout the region, downed power lines and twisted poles lay tangled in the mud, leaving homes and businesses without electricity.

International support is growing. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia will deploy a specialized disaster search-and-rescue team to Nepal and provide $1 million in humanitarian aid. The team will assist in relief efforts and help evacuate Malaysians impacted by the disaster.

As the death toll continues to rise and the scale of destruction becomes clearer, authorities warn that the risk of further flooding persists. Communities remain on high alert, bracing for more challenges as they confront the aftermath of one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent years.

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