A catastrophic flood in Nepal on Wednesday claimed at least 788 lives and left 2,502 people missing, according to the country’s disaster agency. The disaster struck the Dhading district, one of the hardest-hit areas, where heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides. Amid the devastation, a group of schoolchildren survived when they were outside during their lunch break, avoiding the worst of the flooding.
The flood, which followed days of relentless rain, caused widespread destruction across the region. Many schools were damaged or destroyed, but the timing of the students’ lunch break proved crucial for their survival. Rescue teams are still working to locate those missing, with efforts ongoing in both Nepal and the Chinese border areas, where 16 deaths and 546 missing persons were reported.
Local authorities have called for increased preparedness for such extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Meanwhile, families in the affected regions are returning to their ruined homes to salvage belongings, despite the ongoing risks. The situation remains critical, with many still in need of urgent assistance.
