Nepali rescuers buoyed by miracle finds as tough conditions persist

Kathmandu, Nepal — Nepali rescuers braved tough conditions during the 12th day of search operations following catastrophic floods, buoyed by the miraculous rescue of four individuals. The glacial and mountain collapse on the China-Nepal border claimed at least 1,372 lives and left over 5,500 people missing in both countries. Additional survivors were discovered yesterday, bringing the total number of rescued to four, following two earlier rescues.

These rescues occurred in hydropower tunnels, where authorities had previously believed over 100 workers could be alive. Despite the challenging geography, adverse weather, and limited connectivity, rescue efforts continued in the tunnels, according to Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. The massive wall of icy water and debris swept through mountain districts on August 26, causing extensive damage to infrastructure.

A Chinese man and a 64-year-old Nepali woman were among the recent rescues, providing hope to the nation. Prime Minister Balendra Shah highlighted the significance of these rescues, while Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal described the disaster as a "Himalayan tsunami," warning that reconstruction costs could reach billions of dollars.

The United Nations has launched a US$50 million appeal to aid over 84,000 affected individuals, as delivering aid in the disaster-stricken areas remains a tremendous challenge. Hundreds of bodies have been buried in mass graves due to overflowing mortuaries, with only around 100 bodies identified and returned to families. Nepal plans to observe a national day of mourning on Monday, marking the 13th day since the disaster, in accordance with traditional Hindu rituals of mourning.

Although the exact cause of the glacial collapse remains uncertain, climate change is contributing to the acceleration of glacial melting worldwide, heightening the risk of such disasters in Nepal. Chinese state media reported 31 fatalities and 531 missing in Tibet, bringing the combined toll to 1,372 dead and more than 5,500 missing, including approximately 800 foreigners such as tourists and pilgrims.