Aid operations in aftermath of deadly Nepal floods hampered by conditions | First Thing

Nepal has been struck by devastating flash floods, leaving thousands of people missing and inflicting immense destruction. The Guardian reporters have witnessed the harrowing aftermath firsthand. Despite the tragic loss, the delivery of aid has faced challenges due to the perilous conditions in the affected communities. Although a week has passed since the disaster, survivors who fled to higher ground are still being rescued by army helicopters and evacuated.

The mountain village of Syabru Besi, which was among the worst hit, has been almost entirely obliterated. Even the village's access road has vanished. According to local government officials, at least 500 people in Syabru Besi are missing, accounting for a quarter of the village's population. The once-thriving village now resembles a muddy riverbed, with only a single building still standing.

Guardian reporters Hannah Ellis-Petersen, Gaurav Pokharel, and photographer Ahmer Khan have been covering the situation in the Betrawati and Rasuwa districts. In their recent video, Ellis-Petersen details the grim scenes she has encountered, accompanied by poignant footage of the debris. They have interviewed numerous survivors who are now grappling with immense human suffering.