Nepal flash flood death toll rises to 289

The death toll from the devastating flash flood in Nepal has risen to 289. Local media outlet The Kathmandu Post confirmed the information. Additionally, hundreds of people remain missing and are out of communication in various flood-affected areas.

Nepal Police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle provided the information around 1:30pm local time on Thursday. Rescuers have so far recovered 108 bodies from Chitwan district, 62 from Nawalparasi East, 27 from Dhading, 20 from Gorkha, 17 from Rasuwa, 15 from Nawalparasi West, 12 from Nuwakot and 9 from Tanahun district.

According to Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, a total of 826 people are still missing, including local residents, security personnel and tourists. Among them, 644 are tourists, including 127 Nepali and 517 foreign nationals. The missing list also includes 44 Nepali army personnel, 28 police personnel and 13 members of Nepal's Armed Police Force.

It may be mentioned that on Wednesday, a massive landslide in a Himalayan river triggered a devastating flood in Rasuwa and other districts of the country, releasing a huge torrent of mud, water and rocks. The water later flowed with intense force through the Trishuli and Narayani rivers. The devastating flash flood inundated settlements, swept away houses and severely damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Rescue operations are still ongoing.