Kathmandu: Severe floods and landslides have caused widespread loss of life and property across several districts of Nepal. The situation remains particularly critical in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan and East Nawalparasi. Entire settlements have been swept away in some areas, a large number of people have lost their lives, and hundreds of families have been affected. Livestock have also suffered extensive losses.
According to the Nepal Police, the death toll from the devastating flash floods in the Bhote Koshi River has risen to 162. Of the bodies recovered so far, 64 were recovered downstream in Chitwan District and 26 in East Nawalparasi. Several hundred people are still reported missing.
More than 500 tourists not traceable
The disaster has also raised serious concerns about tourists travelling in the affected regions. According to available information, more than 500 tourists remain unaccounted for, including 466 foreign nationals. Those reported missing include 142 Indian citizens, 54 American citizens and 33 British nationals.
There are also growing concerns about travellers who had gone on Gosaikunda and Mansarovar pilgrimages. Difficult terrain, damaged roads and bridges and disruptions to communication services have made it difficult to establish contact with many travellers.
Roads, bridges and essential services severely damaged
Floods and landslides have washed away or damaged approximately 40–50 kilometres of roads. Around 18 bridges have either been swept away or damaged, cutting off numerous villages from the main road network.
Essential services, including electricity, drinking water, telephone and internet connectivity, have also been severely disrupted. Hospital services have been affected, while schools and educational activities have suffered significant disruption.
The destruction of transport infrastructure has made it difficult to deliver food, drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies to affected communities.
Sewa International Nepal and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Nepal launch relief campaign
Amid the devastation, Sewa International Nepal, in collaboration with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Nepal, has launched a relief and service operation to support families affected by the floods and landslides.
Volunteers and workers have been mobilised to reach affected communities and provide immediate assistance. A team of relief workers has already reached Nuwakot, where they are assessing the situation on the ground, identifying urgent needs and coordinating assistance for affected families.
The volunteers are working in coordination with local communities to determine the most pressing requirements and to ensure that relief materials can reach people who have been cut off because of the damaged roads and bridges.
Relief and food materials being collected in Kathmandu
At the same time, relief materials and food supplies are being collected in Kathmandu as part of the ongoing relief campaign. Volunteers are actively engaged in collecting essential items and arranging their transportation to affected areas. Food, drinking water, clothing, hygiene supplies, first-aid materials and other essential commodities are being prioritised according to the needs of affected communities.
Workers associated with the relief initiative are remaining active on the ground as well as in Kathmandu, coordinating the collection, transportation and distribution of relief materials. The campaign is expected to expand further according to the needs emerging from the affected areas.
The organisers have emphasised that standing with affected families during this difficult period and helping meet their immediate needs is the primary objective of the service initiative.
Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev shares update on pilgrims
Meanwhile, spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev shared an update on the pilgrims through a Facebook post, providing information about people travelling as part of the Mansarovar pilgrimage.
According to the post, of the 21 groups that embarked on the journey, 495 people have already returned safely. He said that 743 people are currently in Tibet and 148 are in Nepal. In addition, 77 people are at the Immigration Centre, while three of their volunteers are in Timure, Nepal.
The update has provided some reassurance regarding the status of the pilgrimage groups, although concerns remain over people who have yet to establish contact.
Government urges people to avoid unnecessary travel on Kathmandu–Narayangadh route
In view of the deteriorating situation, the Nepal government has urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel on the Kathmandu–Narayangadh route.
With roads and bridges damaged and the continued risk of floods and landslides, travel along several sections remains hazardous. Authorities have urged citizens to follow official weather and disaster-related advisories, stay away from high-risk areas and cooperate with security and rescue agencies during emergencies.
Nepal is currently facing a major natural disaster, with government agencies, security forces, local communities and social organisations engaged in search, rescue and relief operations.
Amid these efforts, Sewa International Nepal and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Nepal have mobilised their volunteers for relief and service activities, with workers already operating in Nuwakot and relief and food materials being collected in Kathmandu.
The organisations are working to extend assistance to affected families and remain committed to standing with communities facing the consequences of this devastating disaster.
