Jumlah korban banjir kilat sempadan Nepal-China meningkat kepada 162 orang

162 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds more remain missing after a flash flood struck the Nepal-China border region, according to local media. The Anadolu Agency reported on Thursday that the death toll has risen to 162 as rescue operations using helicopters and drones continue. The government has relocated affected residents and mobilized the army and private helicopter operators for rescue efforts.

Nepal's army and private helicopter operators have so far evacuated 114 people to safety. Chitwan district in Bagmati province has reported the highest number of fatalities with 64 deaths, followed by Dhading with 27 and Narayani East with 22. Over 100 Indian nationals, 54 US nationals, 34 Australian nationals, and 33 UK nationals are among those missing.

Nepal police confirmed that 28 of their personnel are also missing. Early reports indicate the flood destroyed 19 bridges and parts of a major highway spanning 40 kilometers, disrupting transportation and hampering rescue operations. Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the flood caused severe damage in several areas and warned that initial information is still preliminary.

He urged heightened disaster preparedness along the banks of the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers in Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan districts due to a high ongoing risk. The government declared Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading as disaster crisis zones for three months. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has asked helicopter operators and drone teams to coordinate rescue operations with local administrations, emergency agencies, and the government.

Affected residents are also advised to light fires and produce smoke to signal their locations. India, China, and the World Bank are set to provide financial assistance to support rescue efforts, emergency aid, and reconstruction in the flood-affected areas of Nepal, according to the country's finance ministry.