Flood Death Toll Reaches 547 as Rescue Efforts Continue
Rescue and relief operations are continuing after a severe flood in the Bhote Koshi River triggered by an avalanche-related outburst from China’s Tibet region on August 26. According to Nepal Police, the death toll across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and several other affected districts reached 547 by Friday afternoon. The highest number of deaths was reported in Chitwan, with 221, followed by Nawalpur with 134, Gorkha 44, Dhading 40, Nuwakot 38, Tanahun 29, Nawalparasi 28 and Rasuwa 13.
Police spokesperson Deputy Inspector General Abinarayan Kafle said 1,473 people have been rescued, including 572 from Rasuwa, 898 from Nuwakot and three from Dhading. The number of missing Nepalis remains unclear, while 644 foreign nationals from 33 countries are reportedly out of contact.The Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force are continuing search and rescue operations, supported by at least six military and nine private helicopters.
Following an all-party meeting at Singha Durbar, major political parties pledged to set aside political differences and support rescue, relief and medical assistance. They also agreed not to politicise relief operations and urged all financial assistance to be channelled through the government’s official Prime Minister Natural Disaster Relief Fund or other designated accounts.The parties called for stronger cross-border early-warning systems with China, scientific mapping of high-risk glacial lakes and real-time exchange of river and disaster data. They also urged the government to strengthen climate-change diplomacy and seek international support based on climate justice.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) announced Rs 5 million in rescue and relief assistance and suspended regular political activities to focus on disaster response. The Nepali Congress has likewise suspended routine activities and mobilised its leaders and cadres in affected districts. The party has formed a coordination committee to facilitate rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan and Nawalpur.
