The death toll continues to rise after a catastrophic flood swept through the Nepal-China border, with over 350 people dead and over 1,300 people missing, including at least 60 Americans.
Officials in Nepal are worried that the situation could escalate even further with the possibility of a second flood. The director of the Center for Disaster Studies at Tribhuvan University in Nepal, Basanta Raj Adhikari, said “second and third waves” were possible but added, “We don’t know yet.” The flood’s sudden onset is part of what led to the high death toll. Water and debris can travel dozens of miles within hours, leaving the people in its path little to no chance to evacuate before it arrives.
That same unpredictability is now complicating the search itself. The potential for more floods threatens rescue crews working the disaster zone. On the ground, Nepal has mobilized nearly 10,000 security personnel, pulling from the police, army, and armed police force for rescue operations. Search efforts continue to face a lack of resources as well.
The death toll is expected to climb even higher. The flood swept the region, snapping bridges, toppling buildings, and leaving people stranded in its wake. The President of the Nepal Center for Disaster Management said the flood came like a “tsunami from the sky” before adding, “Everything on the way was completely washed out.”
Countries are lining up to offer help amid the catastrophe, with over 700 foreigners — including at least 60 Americans — missing. Nepal, known for tourist attractions like Mount Everest, the Himalayas, and trekking trails, is in its peak tourism season. September through November is the best time for clear skies and mild temperatures, allowing climbers to have clear mountain views and moderate temperatures as they climb.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the State Department “stands ready to support the Government of Nepal” and offered $500,000 in emergency assistance to the region. Chinese President Xi Jinping also offered help and called for an extensive search, with over 250 reported missing on the Chinese side of the border. India also has a large proportion of citizens missing and has sent over 100,000 pounds of aid, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, lamps, and water bottles. The United Nations has also reportedly sent emergency supplies to assist with the response.
