Survivors of massive flash floods in Nepal have described how their loved ones were swept away by torrents of mud. The floods, which struck on Wednesday, have claimed over 160 lives and left 800 people missing.
Entire villages on the border of Nepal and Tibet were destroyed by the powerful floods, which seismologists initially mistook for an earthquake. On Thursday, rescuers were navigating thick mud and debris, while Nepalese authorities worked to deliver aid and relief supplies to the affected regions.
Kalpana Malla from Nepal's Nuwakot district recounted losing her father, mother, sister, and sister's children in the flood. Her son, Sugam Malla, stated he saved his mother by pulling her hand. Another survivor, Goma Pandit, reported losing her livestock and farmland, including ten sacks of mustard seeds and tons of corn and rice paddy.
Families of those missing are waiting for updates at Kathmandu's TU Teaching Hospital. Ram Khumari Shrestha has been unable to contact her husband, who was working as a driver in Rasuwa, since Wednesday evening. Mani Shrestha Bishwa is also at the hospital, hoping for news of his younger brother, cousin, uncle, and friend.
Trekking guide Sonam Dorjee, who narrowly missed the flood in his home village of Rasiwa Syafru, described hearing the gushing sound of the floods, which he said sounded like an earthquake. His house has collapsed, and his sister, Dechen Tamang, along with her husband and other family members, are missing.