Nepal's death toll from devastating flash floods that began on August 26 has climbed to 1,451, according to a police statement released Sunday.
The floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, swept through central and northern districts along the Trishuli River and its tributaries. Chitwan district recorded the highest number of deaths at 367, followed by Rasuwa with 236, Nawalparasi East with 232, Nawalparasi West with 222, and Nuwakot with 203. Additional fatalities occurred in Gorkha, Dhading, Tanahu, and two victims who died in Kathmandu hospitals.
Around 6,000 people remain missing, while authorities have rescued more than 13,784 individuals. The disaster has also affected infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and hydropower projects, with damage estimates running into hundreds of billions of Nepali rupees.
India has responded swiftly with humanitarian assistance under its Neighborhood First policy. New Delhi has dispatched more than 141 tonnes of relief material through multiple Indian Air Force flights since late August. The latest consignment of 11 tonnes, sent on Saturday, included medicines, forensic supplies, tents, hygiene kits, and sleeping bags.
India has also deployed 54 expert personnel to assist with rescue, forensic operations, and tunnel rescues. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the ongoing commitment on social media, noting continued support for Nepal's recovery efforts.
Nepal has welcomed the assistance, with officials praising India's rapid response. Similar aid has come from other nations, but India's contributions stand out for their scale and speed.
Search and recovery operations continue across affected areas, with DNA testing underway to identify victims amid challenging conditions. The floods also impacted the Chinese side of the border, where 43 deaths were reported.
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