Flood death toll in Nepal and Tibet surpasses 750 as rescue efforts continue
A catastrophic flash flood has killed at least 750 people across Nepal and Tibet, with over 3,000 missing. Rescue teams are working to reach workers trapped in tunnels at hydroelectric sites. Authorities warn of rising waters in the Bhotekoshi River, complicating operations.
Rescue operations at the Trishuli 3A hydroelectric site achieved a breakthrough late Saturday when the Nepali army inserted a pipe into a tunnel where workers are believed trapped, allowing air to be pumped inside before excavation begins. More than 100 workers may remain alive in tunnels at the 3A and 3B sites, while Nepal's disaster authority lists 933 hydropower workers among the missing overall.
The disaster authority issued a Sunday morning warning that flood flow in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa had increased, urging rescue teams to exercise caution. Nepal's foreign minister estimated reconstruction costs could reach billions of dollars and appealed for heavy-lift drones, forensic testing kits, and freezer units to manage the recovery effort.
This disaster could strain Nepal's emergency response capacity for months, particularly with over 3,000 people missing and reconstruction costs potentially reaching billions. The significant number of foreign nationals affected may prompt international diplomatic engagement and aid commitments. The destruction of hydropower infrastructure could disrupt regional energy supplies and economic activity, while survivors in swept-away settlements face prolonged displacement and uncertain recovery timelines.