Nepal Flash Flood Leaves At Least 157 Dead, 403 Tourists Missing As Teams Assess Impact On Animals & Wildlife
A catastrophic flash flood has devastated parts of northern Nepal near the Tibet border, leaving at least 157 people dead and hundreds more unaccounted for as search-and-rescue operations continue.
According to the latest figures from the Nepal Tourism Board, 403 tourists remain unaccounted for, including 341 foreign nationals and 62 Nepali nationals.
A total of 114 people have been rescued by helicopter as emergency personnel, police, military teams, and local authorities continue working to reach survivors and affected communities.
The flooding caused extensive destruction along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems. According to Nepal’s Department of Roads, at least 19 motorable bridges and approximately 40 kilometers of roads have been damaged, making access to some areas extremely difficult.
Authorities are continuing to investigate what triggered the disaster. Preliminary assessments indicate that a large mass of ice, rock, and debris may have blocked the Lhende River before releasing a powerful surge of water and debris downstream into the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems.
The full impact on animals and wildlife remains unknown, but efforts are underway to assess the damage and determine where assistance is most urgently needed.
Animal Nepal (@animal_nepal), a Nepal-based animal welfare organization, is receiving updates from affected areas including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok, Gorkha, and Chitwan.
Animal Nepal stated:
“Our team is coordinating closely with the concerned District Veterinary Hospitals, District Administration Offices and local contacts to understand the situation and identify the needs of animals and communities affected by the floods.
“At this stage, we are gathering and verifying information. Once the situation becomes clearer and access to affected areas is possible, Animal Nepal will mobilise appropriate relief and animal welfare support in coordination with local authorities and teams on the ground.”
In a subsequent update, Animal Nepal reported that Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment has formed a Rapid Action Team to assess affected areas and document the extent of damage, affected communities and animals, and immediate needs.
“We are particularly encouraged to see domestic animals, animal health and wildlife included in this coordinated assessment. Accurate information from the ground is essential to ensure that rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts reach those who need them most.”
Animal Nepal concluded:
“Animals are part of our communities, and their welfare must be part of every disaster response.”
Search-and-rescue operations for people also remain underway as authorities work to locate those still missing and reach communities cut off by the flooding.
World Animal News will continue monitoring developments, including updates on animals and wildlife affected by the disaster, rescue efforts, and emergency animal welfare assistance.
May God bless the families mourning loved ones, everyone who remains missing, the animals and wildlife affected by this devastating disaster, and all those working tirelessly to help.
