Hendra Wijaya
Nepal is reeling from the aftermath of devastating flash floods that have killed over 900 people and left nearly 5,000 missing, many of whom are believed to be trapped in hydropower tunnels. The floods, which originated in Tibet and were triggered by a glacial collapse, have caused widespread destruction across the Himalayan nation.
The disaster began on August 26 when a large mass of glacier ice detached from its bed, transforming into a catastrophic flood that swept through parts of Tibet and Nepal. Scientists believe the collapse occurred near the Langtang Lirung peak, with the resulting surge of water and debris causing extensive damage as it traveled southward.
Rescue efforts have been underway since the disaster struck, with nearly 21,000 security personnel, civilian workers, and volunteers involved in the search and recovery operations. While Nepal initially rejected foreign aid, it has now agreed to allow Chinese and Indian experts to assist with the rescue efforts.
China has been particularly active in its support, mobilizing over 2,100 rescue workers and providing at least $33 million in aid. Chinese soldiers are using life-detection equipment, including thermal cameras and sound detectors, to search for the missing. President Xi Jinping has also emphasized Beijing's commitment to relocating and resettling those affected, providing medical treatment for the injured, and preventing secondary disasters.
India has also contributed significantly to the relief efforts, deploying 18 army officers trained in tunnel rescue operations, six teams of forensic experts for DNA-based identification, and four tranches of humanitarian aid. The Indian army has also supplied Bailey bridges to help rescue workers reach cut-off areas.
The focus of the rescue operations has been on the hydropower tunnels, where 933 workers are believed to be trapped. These tunnels, which were swamped by debris from the floods, have presented a significant challenge for the rescue teams. The Nepali government has focused its efforts on the Trishuli 3A and 3B hydropower projects, where nearly 300 workers have been rescued so far.
As of Monday, Nepali authorities reported that 903 people had died in the floods and 4,247 were missing. In Tibet, authorities reported 16 deaths and 546 missing, with 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries unaccounted for.
The difficult terrain and bad weather have repeatedly halted rescue operations. Overnight rain and rising river waters on Sunday, for instance, hampered efforts at the tunnels, temporarily halting the search for the missing. Additionally, two large barrier lakes formed during the floods pose a new threat, as one of them could overflow and slam into the tunnels and power stations, trapping or injuring anyone still inside.
Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah described the flood as an "unprecedented and devastating natural disaster." The scale of the disaster has overwhelmed the resources of the country, highlighting the need for international support and cooperation in the face of such a catastrophic event.
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