Authorities in Nepal have warned of possible fresh flooding in areas already devastated by catastrophic flash floods, urging residents to remain on high alert as water levels rise in the Bhotekoshi River.
Flood alerts were sent directly to residents’ mobile phones as rescue teams continued working to evacuate vulnerable communities and restore access along major routes connecting Kathmandu with some of the worst-hit areas.
The latest warning comes just days after a devastating disaster triggered by a glacial collapse in the Himalayan region, sending huge volumes of water, rocks and mud through valleys in Nepal and Tibet. The floods destroyed homes, bridges, roads, farmland and other critical infrastructure.
Nepal’s disaster agency reported that the death toll had risen to 752 people, with 2,502 still missing. Chinese authorities reported an additional 16 deaths and 546 missing on the Chinese side of the border, bringing the combined number of people reported missing to more than 3,000.
The possibility of additional flooding has heightened anxiety among survivors, many of whom are already exhausted from repeated evacuations and the destruction of their homes. Residents in some communities have been moving to higher ground whenever warnings are issued.
The situation has also complicated rescue and relief operations. Major roads and bridges were damaged by the initial flooding, while landslides and debris continue to restrict access to affected communities. The Prithivi Highway, a crucial supply route into Kathmandu, remains partially affected as authorities work to clear and repair damaged sections.
In some of the hardest-hit areas, survivors have begun returning to their damaged homes to search through mud and debris for belongings. Farmland has also suffered extensive damage, threatening the livelihoods of communities that depend heavily on agriculture.
The continuing danger is linked to unstable mountain conditions following the earlier glacial collapse and landslides. Scientists have warned that rising temperatures and changes in the Himalayan cryosphere can increase the risk of sudden glacier-related hazards, although individual disasters require specific investigation to determine their exact causes.
International assistance is also being mobilized. Malaysia has pledged $1 million in financial aid and announced plans to send a specialized search-and-rescue team to help with the emergency response.
As Nepal continues searching for missing people and rebuilding damaged communities, the threat of additional flooding adds another layer of uncertainty to an already devastating humanitarian crisis.
Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to take flood warnings seriously and move to safer locations when instructed.
Swifteradio.com
