Nepal flood death toll reaches 359 with over 1,000 missing as Manipur's Imphal West, Imphal East and Jiribam seek information on residents in Nepal.
Imphal, August 27: The death toll from the devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border has risen to 359 in Nepal, while more than 1,000 people remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue in the disaster-hit Himalayan region. At least three additional deaths have been reported in Tibet.
The disaster struck on Wednesday after a massive collapse of ice, rock and debris triggered a sudden surge of water through the Lhende and Bhotekoshi river systems near the Rasuwagadhi border crossing. The flooding swept through settlements, roads, bridges and other infrastructure in Nepal and Tibet, leaving large areas difficult to access.
Nepal Police reported 359 deaths in the country by Thursday evening. More than 1,000 people are still missing, with the toll expected to change as authorities continue to verify reports and search affected areas.
Foreign tourists account for a significant proportion of those unaccounted for. Nepalese authorities and tourism officials reported that more than 500 foreigners were among those missing in Nepal, including nationals from India, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada. One update cited by Al Jazeera put the number of missing foreign tourists at 517, including 177 Indians.
RELATED NEWS: Nepal-Tibet Border Flash Flood Kills At Least 31, Leaves 384 Travellers Missing in Rasuwa Disaster
However, Indian government-related updates have placed the number of missing Indian nationals considerably higher, at around 288, as authorities continue to reconcile reports from travellers, families and tour operators.
Many of those affected were travelling towards Tibet, including people undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. The remote location and extensive damage to roads and bridges have made rescue and identification operations particularly difficult.
More than 5,000 Nepal Army and police personnel have been involved in rescue operations, with helicopters being used to reach isolated areas, evacuate survivors and deliver food, medicine and other emergency supplies.
Authorities have also warned of further flood risks from a lake formed by blocked river flows in the Tibet region, adding to concerns for communities and rescuers in already affected areas.
Manipur district administrations seek information
Amid growing concern over Indian nationals who may have been caught in the disaster, district administrations in Imphal West, Imphal East and Jiribam have issued separate appeals seeking information about residents and other persons from the districts who may have travelled to Nepal.
The Imphal West district administration, through a circular issued on August 27, requested information about family members, relatives or other known persons who may have travelled to Nepal, particularly those whose whereabouts or well-being are not known.
People with relevant information have been asked to contact the following offices:
SDO, Lamphel: 7005956908
SDO, Patsoi: 8794576543
SDO, Lamsang: 9366180507
SDO, Wangoi: 9366440981
Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West: 7005014735
The administration has asked the public to provide, wherever available, the person's name, photograph, age, contact number, date of travel, place of stay in Nepal and other relevant particulars.
The information is intended to facilitate coordination and, where necessary, assistance to people from Imphal West who may have been affected by the disaster.
Imphal East issues similar appeal
The Imphal East district administration has also sought information about family members, relatives or other known persons from the district who may have travelled to Nepal and whose whereabouts or well-being are unknown.
People have been asked to contact:
SDO, Porompat: 7005615137
SDO, Keirao Bitra: 9233287917
SDO, Sawombung: 8787418347
The administration has requested details such as the person's name, age, contact number, date of travel, place of stay in Nepal and other relevant information.
It has urged members of the public to provide such information at the earliest to facilitate necessary action and coordination.
Jiribam administration calls for urgent reporting
The Jiribam district administration has separately issued an urgent public notice seeking information about people from Jiribam who had recently travelled to or were staying in Nepal.
It has also asked for information about anyone who is missing, untraceable or whose whereabouts are unknown in connection with the flood disaster.
Family members, relatives, friends, travel operators and others possessing relevant information have been asked to immediately contact the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam.
The administration has requested details including the person's name, age, address, contact number, travel details or last known location in Nepal, along with contact details of family members or relatives.
The notice has been issued for wide publicity to ensure that relevant information reaches the district administration quickly.
The appeals from the three Manipur districts come as Nepal and neighbouring authorities continue large-scale search and rescue operations for survivors and missing persons. With communication and road links disrupted in several affected areas, officials are continuing efforts to establish the identities and whereabouts of those still unaccounted for.
