Source: Plan International
Students cut off from their families and entire communities remain isolated two days after a glacial landslide triggered devastating flash floods that hit parts of northern Nepal and the Chinese border linking Tibet, says Plan International.
More than 450 people have been confirmed dead and around 1,000 remain missing, although the full extent of the disaster is still emerging as assessments continue and search operations reach previously inaccessible areas.
More than 500 people have been rescued, but many communities remain stranded after roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure were destroyed, severely hampering rescue efforts.
Rajendra Paudel, from DEPROSC Nepal, a Plan International partner described the scene he is witnessing in Devighat Bazaar, one of the areas in Nuwakot district that has suffered extensive damage.
“There has been extensive human and physical damage across these areas. Just moments ago, a body was recovered from here and taken away. We still do not know how many people are missing. There are many people who have been affected. I have also been in contact with several affected families. They are particularly worried about students who left for school yesterday morning and those who are stranded across the Trishuli River,” he said.
Rajendra described the helicopters currently working to rescue people and cut off communities but says it has not yet been possible to reach everyone: with all concrete bridges washed away or damaged, there is no way to cross between the two sides of the Trishuli River, leaving many families and children stranded and staying in schools since the flood hit.
“The scale of destruction here is enormous…. What we are witnessing here is extremely painful. My relatives were unable to take anything out of their homes and have had to climb up the hillside on the other side to find safety. There is a deep sense of despair among everyone. People are worried about how they will rebuild their lives after this,” he said.
There are fears that a lake formed at the site where the floods occurred is rapidly rising and at risk of bursting.
“We are very concerned about the possibility of more flooding, along with the stress and trauma this disaster will have on children in particular. Our top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of children and communities affected by this disaster,” said Plan International Nepal Acting Country Director Srijana Gurung.
“We are witnessing in real time the catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis. Climate events are becoming more intense and more frequent, and it is always the most vulnerable people who are disproportionately impacted; the people least responsible for causing climate change,” she added.
Plan International Nepal is working to support the Government’s emergency response and send urgently needed supplies to the impacted area’s including distribution of 300 shelter kits, 1,000 hygiene kits and 100 menstrual health management kits for girls and women who have lost their homes. Initial support is planned for around 1,000 affected households whilst the needs are fully assessed. Plan International Nepal is deploying two emergency response team members to support the joint assessment led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, coordinated through the field hub established by the Catholic Relief Service.
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