Nepal and Chinese authorities are intensifying search and rescue operations after devastating floods and mudslides struck their border region, leaving at least 768 people dead and about 3,000 more missing.
Nepal has reported 752 deaths from the August 26 disaster, while 16 fatalities have been recorded in Tibet, China’s autonomous region, according to authorities cited by BBC.
The floods also caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, roads, bridges, power facilities and other critical infrastructure.
Nepal rescue operations intensified
The Nepali government has stepped up the search and rescue operations as the efforts entered their fourth day, mobilising available resources for search, rescue, relief and recovery operations.
“Our immediate priority remains clear: to save lives, locate missing persons, rescue them, provide urgent relief to survivors, and ensure that affected Nepali as well as foreign receive appropriate assistance and support,” the government said in a press release.
It added that it remains in close co-ordination with the international community as many foreign nationals are also missing.
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Xi orders all-out rescue efforts
Meanwhile in China, President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue and emergency response efforts in areas affected by the disaster.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang also travelled to the disaster-hit area to oversee response efforts on the ground.
According to China’s National Fire and Rescue Administration, as cited by Xinhua, 681 fire and rescue personnel, 113 vehicles and 6,612 pieces of rescue equipment and logistical supplies had been dispatched to the affected area as of August 28.
Rescue operations have focused on locating missing people and reaching communities affected by damaged roads and disrupted communications.
International aid pours in
As Nepal struggles with the impact of the disaster, help has begun arriving from around the world.
According to Nepal’s government, several countries have extended their assistance through financial support, relief supplies and specialised personnel to help with ongoing search, rescue and recovery operations.
China, India and South Korea have deployed specialised rescue teams, while other international partners have provided or pledged humanitarian assistance for the affected communities.
Canada has announced C$5 million (US$3.63 million) in humanitarian assistance, while Australia committed an initial A$5 million (US$3.58 million) package to support the emergency response.
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Nepal, China recovery plans
Nepal and China are also beginning efforts to recover from the widespread destruction caused by the disaster.
The Nepali government is conducting a detailed assessment of damage to critical infrastructure, homes, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities to determine the country’s rehabilitation and reconstruction needs.
Nepal said it expects to require international assistance for the rebuilding effort and will communicate specific requirements once the assessment progresses.
On the Chinese side, authorities have begun restoring roads, communications and power facilities damaged by the disaster.
Beijing has also allocated CNY100 million (US$14.87 million) for emergency recovery and reconstruction, while China’s central bank added a CNY5 billion (US$743.3 million) relending quota to support agriculture and small businesses in disaster-hit areas of Tibet.
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