The flood disaster occurred over the past weekend when a torrent of mud and debris engulfed entire villages within minutes, snapped bridges, and swept away homes. Some survivors are marooned on buildings that rescue workers cannot reach, while others are trapped in tunnels underground. Many do not know if their relatives are still alive.
A headteacher in Nepal managed to evacuate 900 children from a school moments before the flood wave hit. Rescue efforts are focusing on remote valleys where the destruction is greatest. Authorities warn of further dangers from dammed-up lakes that could overflow with new rainfall.
The catastrophe is seen as a warning sign of climate risks in the region. Glacial lakes in the Himalayas are growing due to global warming, increasing the risk of outbursts. Experts are calling for better early warning systems and for infrastructure to be adapted to extreme weather conditions.
The international community has pledged aid, including search dogs and technical equipment. The exact number of missing people could still rise, as many villages are cut off from the outside world.
Source: www.theguardian.com
