Kathmandu, August 27: The United Nations has expressed deep sorrow over the recent disaster in Nepal. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres conveyed his condolences regarding the loss of life and property caused by sudden floods in Nepal and Tibet. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that the organization is ready to assist in relief efforts led by the government.
According to local media reports, at least 157 people have died due to the sudden flooding of the Bhotekoshi River in three districts of Nepal, with hundreds, including security personnel and tourists, reported missing. The spokesperson mentioned, “The Secretary-General is saddened by the devastating floods in Nepal and China, which have resulted in numerous fatalities, many missing, and widespread destruction.”
Guterres expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured, showing solidarity with all affected individuals.
Dujarric further stated, “The UN is supporting the government-led response in Nepal. Efforts are underway to assess the scale of the disaster and provide immediate assistance. UN teams and humanitarian partners are mobilizing essential supplies and personnel to aid those impacted by the floods.”
The spokesperson also praised the emergency personnel working to save lives and reiterated the UN’s readiness to provide further assistance.
As reported by ‘The Kathmandu Post’, the floods occurred when an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende River, a tributary of the Bhotekoshi, initially affecting the Timure area near the Nepal-China border. The report indicated that there was no prior warning of the disaster, as there had been no rainfall in the area, leaving people engaged in their daily activities when the floods struck.
Meanwhile, 391 tourists and 44 security personnel are reported missing due to the disaster. The Nepali government has confirmed that 44 soldiers from the Nepal Army, 28 police officers stationed at various police posts, and 13 personnel from the Armed Police Force (APF) working in the affected areas are out of contact. Additionally, nine hydropower projects, several commercial banks, at least 19 motorable bridges, and numerous public and private properties have been swept away.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.