Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah has characterised devastating flash floods affecting the country as an unprecedented disaster, with rescue operations ongoing and hundreds of people missing.
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah has declared the ongoing flash flood crisis an unprecedented disaster, pledging that government rescue and relief efforts are proceeding with maximum speed and effectiveness. In statements released today, Shah outlined that the Nepali Army has successfully rescued 116 people from Timure in Rasuwa district, comprising 95 Nepali citizens and 21 Indian nationals. An additional seven Nepali citizens trapped within a tunnel were also recovered.
Rescue operations have been mounted from early morning, with more than 15 helicopter flights conducted since 6:30 AM, according to Shah's account. Additional helicopters remain on standby as rescue teams expand their operations. The government is coordinating the rapid distribution of emergency supplies including generators, medical equipment, tents, and specialised machinery for debris removal.
The scale of the disaster remains severe. At least 300 people have been confirmed dead across Nepal and Tibet, with hundreds more unaccounted for, including a significant number of foreign tourists. Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal reported that over 500 foreign nationals are currently out of contact. Photographic evidence from affected areas shows extensive destruction, with homes, bridges, and roads completely destroyed and replaced by mud-filled debris trails.
Prime Minister Shah appealed to the public to remain patient and cooperative during the ongoing response, emphasising that the entire state machinery has been mobilised for rescue efforts. He called for support from Nepal's diaspora and the international community as the country confronts what he described as this difficult situation.
