Kathmandu: Flash floods in Nepal have claimed eight lives as helicopters have been deployed for rescue and relief operations in several villages severely impacted by the deluge. The floods have caused significant damage to roads, bridges, and power plants, hindering transportation and communication in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, helicopters were unable to land in the affected areas of Chiaprubesi and Timure due to high water levels. These areas are home to approximately 50,000 people. Officials are concerned about the potential for further severe losses, as they warned of significant casualties and property damage, though precise figures are not yet available.
Authorities have issued warnings to residents living along the banks of the Bhotekoshi River, urging them to evacuate to higher ground as floodwaters have swept away nearby villages and infrastructure sites. A spokesman for the Nepalese army stated that rescue helicopters will remain grounded until water levels subside, allowing for safe landing.
The situation has also affected neighboring regions, as China's official Xinhua news agency reported numerous deaths and injuries in Tibet's Jilong County following a landslide at a border crossing between China and Nepal. The landslide has disrupted transportation routes and cut off communications and electricity in Shigatse, a town near the Nepalese border.
Nepal's Ministry of Energy reported that the floods have impacted 430 megawatts of electricity supply, primarily from hydropower projects. This represents more than 12 percent of the country's total hydropower capacity of 3.2 gigawatts. In response, Prime Minister Balendra Shah has deployed police and military personnel for rescue and relief operations, ordered evacuations from low-lying areas, and urged residents along rivers to remain vigilant.