The raw numbers can hardly convey the immense suffering caused by the devastating flash flood that struck parts of Nepal and Tibet last Wednesday (26 August). After all, behind every confirmed death are families mourning their loved ones, and behind every person reported missing are countless people who continue to worry and hope amid the uncertainty.
According to the Nepalese Disaster Management Authority, 781 bodies had been recovered in Nepal as of 6:00 p.m. local time today. More than 2,500 people are still missing. Adding the 16 deaths and more than 500 missing persons confirmed by Chinese authorities in Tibet brings the total to around 800 recovered bodies and more than 3,000 people whose fate remains unknown.
Mountain guides also participating in rescue efforts
In Nepal, more than 13,000 rescue workers are searching for survivors; in Tibet, more than 2,000. It is a race against time. Around 900 people alone are still missing in the tunnel systems of several hydroelectric power plants. About two dozen experienced Nepalese mountain guides are also searching for them, including top climbers such as Pemba Ongchhu Sherpa, who has climbed Everest 14 times, Jenjen Lama, Ashish Gurung, and Gesman Tamang.
A team led by Ashish Gurung and Jenjen Lama was able to advance about 120 meters into a tunnel yesterday before being stopped by a thick layer of mud and debris. “Heavy excavation machinery and pumping equipment will be required to remove the accumulated mud and sludge and allow the search to continue,” Jenjen wrote on Instagram.
The Disaster Management Authority in Kathmandu informed, nearly 9,500 people have now been rescued from the disaster area.
Update 31 August: The number of bodies recovered in Nepal has now risen to over 900. According to the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 903 dead victims have been recovered so far (as of 2:00 p.m. local time), and approximately 4,500 people remain missing, including nearly 600 from abroad. More than 10,000 people have been brought to safety, it said.
