‘Reminded us of tsunami’: 36-member group from Kerala escapes Nepal floods, returns safely

The United Arab Emirates has dispatched an aid plane containing 83 tonnes of food and shelter supplies to Nepal, aiming to bolster relief efforts following devastating flash floods. The calamitous event, triggered by a glacier collapse and landslide, resulted in more than 700 deaths and left at least 2,500 people missing. These essential provisions, facilitated by the UAE Aid Agency, are part of a $10 million humanitarian aid package authorized by President Sheikh Mohamed on Thursday.

The UAE Aid Agency, collaborating with the UAE embassy in Nepal, is coordinating with authorities to expedite the delivery of aid to those most in need. Additionally, the agency is partnering with international organizations to amplify relief operations in the regions most severely impacted by the catastrophic floods and mudslides.

The death toll has continued to rise, with Nepalese authorities confirming 734 fatalities as of Sunday. Meanwhile, the Nepal Police reported 2,498 people are still missing, while 8,186 individuals have been rescued. Over 20,000 rescue personnel from security forces have been mobilized to aid in the rescue operations. The Nepal Tourism Board stated that 261 foreign nationals have been rescued, but 320 tourists remain unaccounted for.

Rescue efforts persist, albeit sometimes hampered by heavy rain and the looming threat of further floods due to concerns over potential lake overflow. The landslide and glacier collapse are believed to have started on the Langtang Lirung peak in Nepal, situated within the Himalayas and approximately 15km from the affected border area.