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Death toll surpasses 500 in Nepal floods, 30 Canadians missing
Over 500 people are dead and more than 1,500 remain missing, including 30 Canadians after a flood swept through Nepal near the Chinese border.
Frantic search and rescue efforts continue but remain slowed due to the loss of power and road access.
On Wednesday, a flash flood swept through communities following a glacier collapse.
On Thursday, authorities warned the area could see more flooding, after water levels formed a lake on the Nepal side and with monsoon rain in the forecast.
Due to many roads and bridges being washed out, the Nepalese army has been using helicopters to rescue people.
Dan Hovey, vice president of emergency response at Direct Relief said his organization had already pre-positioned emergency supplies in Nepal for the upcoming monsoon season.
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This preparation has allowed them to quickly help during these unexpected floods.
“Nepal is a very disaster-prone country. On the disaster vulnerability indexes, it’s one of the highest – from earthquakes, floods, drought, wildfires,” Hovey said.
“This is going to be a long recovery process.”
Relief groups say cash donations are urgently needed to provide local agencies and nonprofits with flexible funding for the ongoing response.
Several U.S.-based organizations are already operating in Nepal including Save the Children, Global Giving and All Hands & Hearts.
With Files From The Canadian Press
