Overview
- The disaster struck on Wednesday when sudden dam breaches sent fast, grey mudflows down the Trishuli river and nearby valleys, washing away the Malekhu bridge and flattening riverside settlements.
- Nepalese police, reported by international outlets, say about 332 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds remain missing with many tourists and foreign nationals among them.
- The Nepalese army led large evacuations and rescue efforts while China and India offered help and international agencies such as UNICEF and the Red Cross scaled up emergency aid.
- Blocked roads and destroyed bridges have isolated many communities, forcing relief groups to rely on limited helicopter lifts and slow, risky truck convoys to deliver food, water, medical care and shelter.
- The Dutch foreign ministry says it cannot yet confirm Dutch casualties and Dutch residents and aid groups are running local fundraising and partner-led relief that will be central to recovery and family reunification efforts.