- 2 months ago
A glacier collapse and rock avalanche on the Nepal-Tibet border triggered flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods, killing at least 587 people and leaving over 700 missing, including more than 300 Indian nationals.
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00:00Let's go!
00:555 p.m. Indian Standard Time.
00:57But for those in Nepal, it's a never-ending clock.
01:01Especially the ones who haven't heard back from their relatives and family members.
01:06I want to tell you now what is the latest that's coming in.
01:09Nepal is reeling from the devastating flood after the deadly glacier collapse.
01:12What are the latest images that we have from?
01:15Verified and confirmed from our sources.
01:17A landslide-formed lake on the Nepal-Tibet border is overflowing
01:21and that has triggered a fear of a flesh flooding in areas already devastated by the fast flood.
01:25Rescue operations temporarily halted.
01:27Water levels rising.
01:28Residents are rushing to higher ground.
01:30Chinese teams also are moving to safety because there is another flood alert that has come.
01:35That means while in some areas rescue operations have resumed, some may be halted.
01:40Authorities are monitoring the barrier lake already has crossed 2.5 million cubic meters.
01:47Look at this drone footage.
01:49These are from the Chinese authorities.
01:51Fresh drone footage showing a lake formed by the glacier debris near the Nepal border.
01:56Aerial visuals show the large water body created after the glacier collapse,
02:00which means huge amounts of ice, rock, mud, debris coming toward the Himalayan river system.
02:05The lake has become a major focus for authorities because that is the concern.
02:09If that breaches, it could trigger further flooding downstream.
02:13Rescue monitoring teams are keeping a close watch.
02:17But it's the death toll that's rising.
02:20587 people have lost their life.
02:23It's been more than 48 hours since the disaster hit the Himalayan border region.
02:26Nepal has released names of 500 missing foreign nationals,
02:30including 178 Indians, 65 Americans and 33 British nationals.
02:35In Tibet, 5 people have confirmed died.
02:38Over 558 are missing, according to Chinese state media.
02:42External Affairs Ministry has confirmed with regard to Indians,
02:45315 Indians are missing, 400 Indians are stranded.
02:51But there are now constant heightened alerts that are coming in.
02:54Look at these dramatic visuals.
02:55A drone has captured an avalanche from the snow-capped mountain on Friday morning.
02:59Massive mass of snow cascading down the mountain slope.
03:02These visuals are coming from Nepal-Tibet border areas
03:05and is a reminder that the worst may not be yet over.
03:12A major rescue operation is underway in Nepal.
03:14Meanwhile, more than 300 workers were also trapped inside this tunnel.
03:19There is a hydropower project that was on.
03:21It's the Nepal Army launching rescue operations to evacuate those trapped underground.
03:26Several workers have thankfully been rescued as well alive,
03:29including Indian nationals.
03:31Teams continue to effort to bring everyone out safely.
03:37Even as Nepal battles the aftermath of the devastating flash floods,
03:41government has declined foreign rescue assistance.
03:44India had offered already, in first place,
03:46to send not just NDRF teams,
03:48any other rescue armed forces personnel it required.
03:51China, US, UK, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
03:55also offered help.
03:56But Nepal has said for now,
03:58its security agencies are equipped to handle the rescue operations for now.
04:02Foreign missions can route any financial assistance through the government.
04:07So, India has not sent rescue personnel,
04:10but has sent 45 metric tons of humanitarian aid,
04:14and reiterating any support required for Nepal.
04:16External Affairs Minister Jai Shankar,
04:17they are at the airport to meet those who have returned,
04:20over 20 of them,
04:21as rescue efforts are underway in Nepal.
04:24India's embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing are sharing constant updates.
04:31Chinese President Xi Jinping chairing an emergency meeting
04:34to coordinate rescue efforts following the deadly floods in Nepal
04:37and in regions at the border.
04:39According to State News Agency,
04:40officials were told to step up efforts to locate missing people
04:43from China and from other countries.
04:46China also has decided to provide emergency aid to flooded areas,
04:49even in Nepal if required,
04:50and carry out international level rescue operation.
04:55Nepal Prime Minister and other ministers as well
04:58will donate one month's salary to the Prime Minister's relief fund.
05:02Government spokesperson Sarsmit Pukhraal
05:04announcing the decision as Nepal continues relief and rescue operations.
05:09International organisations are coming in.
05:11UNICEF says at least 17,000 children in Nepal
05:15have been severely affected from the flash flood.
05:17Home, schools, roads, family members possibly destroyed.
05:20While around 10,000 children need urgent care to continue education.
05:25UNICEF says it is scaling up emergency response.
05:28Affected communities are being contacted,
05:30but many are cut off from even essential services.
05:39It's been 48 hours since the devastating flash flood
05:43that ripped through Nepal's Himalayan border region,
05:45including in Tibet.
05:46And the scale of the tragedy is only now becoming clear
05:49with more and more visuals of the aftermath that's emerging.
05:52Rescue missions are on, but time is of essence.
05:55I want you to take a look at this report.
05:57It's not just about what happened,
05:58but what happens now.
06:00Rescuers are facing another danger.
06:03Another threat of a flood situation is emerging.
06:06Let's take a look at this report.
06:35One catastrophe.
06:37to fail, rescue teams racing against time, then a brief halt after the press 1.
07:07Another threat is beginning to unfold in flood ravaged Nepal.
07:17A day after China warned that another glacier lake outburst could be imminent, India today
07:21has been tracking the developments from ground zero, bringing you every detail of these unfolding
07:27warnings.
07:29Nepal is now on the risk of another severe calamity after China alerts Nepal for another
07:36glacier lake formation in the confluence, major two rivers where till 27th of morning, nearly
07:44two million cubic water has been collected and another three days it is likely to reach
07:50up to five million cubic and in that case even these lakes would breach the barrier and in
07:56that case you will see all these river terrain of Nepal would be flooding with the severe
08:02debris.
08:06People living in vulnerable areas have been told to evacuate, rescue teams had been asked
08:11to stand down as authorities closely monitor the rapidly rising water levels.
08:25The administration is on high alert.
08:41here is the moment where the rising waters started creating panic among the locals.
08:46So, when I come along with the east then again, these are, they are now out to a
08:57entire region, they are here to help us, standing in front of the world, and they are telling us
09:03to come here.
09:03foreign
09:33The last city was destroyed and then people are going to leave here.
09:36This is the police and the police are telling people to leave here, go ahead and go ahead.
09:40Now all the people are going to leave here.
09:42The danger is going to increase once again.
09:44There is a lack of water coming up again.
09:50But behind this latest threat lies a deeper and more disturbing reality.
09:54The extreme fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem.
10:00The region is increasingly exposed to a dangerous combination of unstable terrain, glacial activity
10:06and seismic forces creating the conditions for sudden and devastating disasters.
10:27So this region is always a fragile region.
10:30This is a Himalayan region and there is a lot of tectonic activities going on underneath.
10:38And if you just look at the higher terrain also, they are not like rock solid.
10:46They are very fragile.
10:50The collapse of the glacier on Wednesday had left behind a massive wall of ice and rock debris
10:54creating a natural blockade.
10:58With the accumulated water still seeking an outlet, the force of the flow has begun carving through
11:03new and unpredictable paths along the Bhote Koshi River.
11:09this image will reach nearby.
11:36What began as one catastrophic flash flood has now opened up the possibility of another.
11:46Though rescue ops have resumed again, the situation still remains precarious.
11:54As another glacial threat emerges, the Himalayan disaster story may be far from over.
12:02Nature has already shown its fury.
12:06The question now is, how much more is yet to come?
12:12With Ashutosh Mishra and Ground Zero Nepal, Bureau Report, India Today.
12:24Because of a second flood alert that has come, rescue operations have been stopped, halted for now.
12:29Paused for some time after a certain lake has started to overflow from the border areas.
12:36Authorities in Nepal have paused the rescue operations for the next 90 minutes at least.
12:42Because the report said that there's an immediate flooding that can happen.
12:46And you of course cannot hamper the life of the rescue personnel also.
12:50Who are risking their life to save as many people as possible.
12:53The death toll already has risen to at least the confirmation of 587 people in Nepal.
12:59Over 1,400 people are still missing at least.
13:02This is estimated, many of them tourists.
13:05For example, the caring office.
13:07This is on the Nepal-China border.
13:10Pankaj Das is joining me from Nepal for the latest.
13:14Pankaj, what information is coming from now?
13:17What can you confirm for us?
13:18Why have the rescue operations been halted for now?
13:21I don't know.
13:52Since the government has now taken to issues a path,
13:56it may be broken from several kilometers,
13:59so it was mailed by the government.
14:01Also the government will give you the coups
14:04that the government doesn't have any harm,
14:06but the government has arrested for survival in был.
14:11Can you talk to us, Pankaj,
14:14about the areas like the Trishuli River.
14:18The Khyarung border areas
14:20where there was an immigration office and especially in Rasuwa area.
14:24Did there any connectivity or contact with missing people or the area still out of touch?
14:52Yes.
14:53It was all from this bar.
14:56There was no connection between Rasuwa and the officer,
15:01and there was no connection between the satellite phone,
15:04but there was no connection between these devices.
15:06There was a connection between the mines and the rest of the mines,
15:10and some tried to get liquor from the mines,
15:13but in many other areas there's no connection between the mines.
15:39Pankaj, thank you very much for tracking and bringing us all the ground reports.
15:42He's telling us about the areas that still cannot be connected with.
15:46Time is of essence here.
15:47For now, operations have been halted because another flood alert has come.
15:51But many are asking, what exactly set off this devastating chain of events that led to
15:55this massive loss of life?
15:57Was it only a natural disaster?
15:59Did it also have a certain urban development issue as well?
16:03It began high in the Himalayas, an avalanche that triggered a deadly cascade of ice, rock,
16:09mud, debris and water, of course.
16:11The disaster began with this avalanche on a snow-covered mountain, the avalanche sweeping
16:16down the Lendekora River, a river that runs along the Nepal-Tibet border.
16:20That is what then carried huge volumes of ice, rock, debris and started to wipe away, wipe
16:27off anything that came in the path.
16:29That debris also triggered a massive landslide and mudslide, slamming into the Girong Port
16:34area, surging toward the Nepal border.
16:37And remember that nature does not understand man-made border areas.
16:41The mudslide travelled nearly 20km at speed of up to 180km per hour, triggering a powerful
16:49flash flood, sweeping away everything.
16:51But the danger did not end with that.
16:53In fact, the debris has also formed a barrier lake upstream.
16:57Why is that a concern?
16:58If that lake continues to fill up and suddenly releases its water, that can again generate
17:04another powerful surge and into areas that are already devastated and where the rescue operations
17:09are currently on.
17:10And that is why the teams in China, in Nepal, are constantly tracking about what's coming
17:16up next.
17:17And also it's important to understand what happened, what is happening, what can happen
17:22in the days to come.
17:23I spoke a short while back to an environmental engineer from Nepal, Mr. Bhushan Taludhar.
17:29Here's what he said and some important suggestions that he gave.
17:33Another threat has come, I believe, from the authorities.
17:36These evacuations are being done in some areas, including Novakot and Trishuli and more.
17:41Is this second threat to you looking like a bigger threat?
17:45It could be similar.
17:46How are you analysing this one?
17:48It's very difficult to say right now.
17:50One thing is clear that yesterday itself or, you know, even day before, satellite images
17:55did show that there was a lake that was forming with the, you know, river being blocked.
17:59And there was possibility of that lake breaking any time.
18:02And now we hear that it has broken and the flood is coming.
18:06How big is the flood?
18:07We're not sure.
18:09We anticipated this coming.
18:11We're not sure what the extent of the damage will be.
18:13One thing is clear because a lot of this area has been evacuated already.
18:17So hopefully the casualties will be less.
18:20But that's what many are asking.
18:21Help me understand this, Mr. Tuladhar.
18:24Couldn't a similar warning have come earlier?
18:26Many Nepalese journalists are pointing that out.
18:28But if that had come, was there a possibility of it?
18:31If that had come, it could have saved at least a lot of lives.
18:35I think it's difficult to say because did the Chinese authorities or the Nepalese authorities
18:40know about this?
18:42Very difficult.
18:43But because it wasn't just a glacier, you know, lake outburst flood.
18:46If there was a big glacier lake that was going to burst, then yes, we would have, you
18:50know, known it in advance.
18:52But this was a big avalanche that suddenly came down two kilometers and then, you know,
18:57bang on that river.
18:58And that created this big wave.
19:00That would be very difficult to predict also.
19:02But we do know that incidents like this is increasingly happening in this climate-changed
19:08world.
19:08But exactly where it's going to happen, very difficult to predict.
19:10What can be done to at least ensure to save human lives next time, especially in these
19:16areas?
19:16What is it?
19:17Is there a solution to this as well?
19:19Or we are just dependent on nature's fury?
19:21No, we're not.
19:22We're not dependent on nature's fury.
19:24Three aspects of, you know, when you talk about climate change, people talk about, A,
19:27reducing emissions.
19:28That is absolutely important.
19:30While we appreciate the, you know, generosity by, you know, international, you know, community
19:35and so on, that has to become in terms of, you know, addressing the climate crisis as
19:40well.
19:40There is a loss and damage fund.
19:42That needs to be, you know, sold up so that these kind of incidents, the damages can be
19:47addressed.
19:47One.
19:48Second is adaptation, as in early warning systems.
19:51You know, when we do build infrastructure, build it properly in terms of, you know, sustainable
19:57infrastructure.
19:57And third is, you know, once this happens, we need to be able to, ready to respond quickly.
20:03All of this has to happen in parallel.
20:05We can't just say that one thing has to happen.
20:07And of course, at this time of need, response, emergency response is what we need right now.
20:14It is not depending on secondary sources.
20:17India today, Swetha Singh and Ashutosh are on the ground.
20:20And this is a special report from Swetha Singh about right where the danger zone is.
20:24Let's take a look at that.
20:46And this is a special report from Swetha Singh, which is a special report from Swetha Singh, which is
20:54a special report from Swetha Singh.
21:09And this is a special report from Swetha Singh, which is a special report from Swetha Singh, which is
21:15a special report from Swetha Singh.
21:32And this is a special report from Swetha Singh, which is a special report from Swetha Singh.
21:53And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:02And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:06And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:08And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:10And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:10And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:11And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:12And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:12And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:12And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:13And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:15And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:18And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:21And this is a special report from Swetha Singh.
22:29behind me you can see one such bridge which has been completely destroyed by this
22:36there are trees there are parts of the trees that are fallen onto it there is
22:41entire debris that is covering this bridge while one part of it you can see in good condition
22:47which is being used for normal traffic the other side of the bridge you can see completely
22:53destroyed and just think about it the pressure of the water and the debris the pressure of this
23:01deluge was such that it has washed away a concrete bridge what about normal humans
23:09mortals that walk this path with camera person Syed Mohsen this is Shweta Singh in Nepal for India Today
23:19let's go across to our India Today global editor Pranay Upadhyay for the latest on that
23:23Pranay what is the latest assessment that you're picking up it looks like the worst is not yet
23:27oh it could there could be another flood what does that mean for rescue operations what does that mean
23:32for possibly the human lives at stake
23:37as you rightly mentioned that the situation remains very volatile they are very precarious there because
23:42the glacier lake outburst fear is still there there are reports and there are alerts being issued in
23:47that area impacting the search and rescue operation relief operations there because there is a glacial
23:54outburst which is being reported from the same area in Bhatkochi river Narayani river Trishuli river and in that
24:03entire water basin area and that's why the relief and rescue operation are getting impacted in fact the
24:08NDRRMA the Nepalese National Disaster and Risk Management Authority has asked the relief operator
24:17you know people those who are deployed for the relief and rescue operation there to go to safer locations
24:22you know secure their machines machines there and in fact you know because of the the you know lack of
24:30the sunlight as well there is a limited window of operation or operational window is available there and having said
24:38that meanwhile just now just now just a while ago the
24:40ministry of the ministry of external affairs in India also brief India has offered NDRF team assistance to the to
24:46the government of Nepal besides that India Nepal has also asked for special tunnel rescuers from India for which a
24:52recce team is also being sent from India who will make an assessment about the requirement of manpower requirement of
24:59you know specialized machinery there in Nepal and after that India will be sending out a special tunnel rescuer team
25:06because it
25:07that's usually hydroelectric power station almost 63 Indian nationals those who are working there have been rescued
25:15and in fact 21 Indian nationals those who are rescued rescued from that area have now landed safely back in
25:22India
25:22yes and search and rescue operation is still on in fact there are 400 Indians stranded on the on the
25:28other side that is in the Chinese side
25:33yeah they are they are they are they are stranded there and in fact they are they are in Dutch
25:43and around over 300 or rather 400 people are there in on the Chinese side and in around 300 Indians
25:52are there you know those who are contactless they are not being able to
25:56because any hope you know Pranay will work for the family members waiting to get a call
26:02go ahead Pranay please finish your point
26:04absolutely the number is getting updated Pooja yeah yeah number
26:06the leader number is is very dynamic and that's why with the recovery of of individuals from that area
26:12many individuals are are contact are non-contactable just because there is no mobile network there there is there is
26:18no connectivity there and that's why as
26:20even when their connectivity get restored people get in touch with the authorities there and that's why the numbers you
26:27know keep
26:28Pranay family members would be what else can they do but possibly wait worship pray and hope against hope that
26:36they will soon get a call from their relatives who were in Nepal or toward the Kailash Mansar over Yatra
26:42Pranay stay on with me because here's the latest that's coming in ladies and gentlemen
26:45China had alerted Nepal and this is the second time Nepal was or actually some of the journalists did mention
26:52that they were angry that the first caution and warning did not come
26:56but there is a second alert that has come of a fresh flooding and that means there is certain time
27:00that the Nepalese authorities have to prepare evacuation if required
27:04but for the families of those still missing that's a wait never-ending no word on the fate of their
27:10loved ones no closure even in case of the worst the administration
27:14though is of course engaged in search and operations with regard to coordination as much as possible
27:20Ashutosh Mishra India today is on the ground and he sent us this report
27:28The biggest concern for Nepal was that how early warning system that was supposed to be used by China was
27:34in Jews and Nepal was not informed how the glacier
27:37lake these GLFOF literally found so I see right behind me just behind those thick layer of cloud those are
27:44the peaks those are the glaciers and that's exactly what the China
27:47Nepal border is that's the Ruswad stick and exactly on the plateau between those glacial points peak of
27:53those snow peak mountains that's where the lake formations are so many of these peak points between China and Nepal
27:59there is a glacier
28:00formation there is a lake formation and early warning system is often used by including by the Chinese
28:05satellites who often keep a tab since it's a very sensitive area ecologically very fragile and despite of
28:12having you know a high potential satellite the China could not see what is unfolding in that and because of
28:19it is
28:20this Chinese approach that they did not see what is unfolding they did not even inform Nepal
28:24so the glacial outburst take took place or even it was a rock avalanche it eventually started bringing the
28:31huge amount of debris and water downstream and that triggered massive scale of devastation for Nepal
28:37Nepal is now on a risk of another severe calamity after China alerts Nepal for another glacier lake
28:44formation in the confluence major two rivers where till 27th of morning nearly 2 million cubic water has been
28:54collected and another three days it is likely to reach up to 5 million cubic and in that case even
29:00the these
29:01lakes would breach the barrier and in that case you will see all these river terrain of Nepal would be
29:08flooding
29:08with the severe debris and again potentially harm and decimate all the residential area that's a massive risk
29:15that has been alerted by China to the Nepalese authority Nepal has warned the people living near the
29:21embankment sites people have been evacuated already safety majors in place and warning has been issued
29:27with the
29:35But don't go to the house.
29:36The house is running in the rafters.
29:38The car is running.
29:40All are many people.
29:41But the father is not running.
29:43Now the father is not running.
29:45There are only people here.
29:48These are many people who are in their lives.
29:50They are working on their own.
29:52Their lives will be gone.
29:55But the house is much more difficult.
30:00The house is much more difficult.
30:01So when the name is removed from these people, so many people come to meet, they will lose themselves.
30:10How are you looking for this?
30:12I've been looking for years and I've been talking about it.
30:16I don't know anything about it.
30:18Where were they?
30:19Where were they?
30:20They were in Timore.
30:22There was a driver in Naka.
30:25There was a car from Sinu Company.
30:26He was driving a car for three days.
30:29You don't have to stop.
30:31This is my little brother who was missing from Gatte Kullo, Raswa.
30:38We've been here for three days.
30:43But no one knows.
30:45Shreyas, where are you from?
30:48What have you seen so far?
30:49Are you looking for someone, your family members or your friends?
30:53You'll know, there's a lot of people coming here.
30:59So I've been looking for my family from here.
31:03I've come to college here.
31:05When the family came here, I've been looking for my family from here.
31:10I've been looking for their name from here.
31:13So I've written my name here.
31:13Where are you from?
31:15Where are you from?
31:15Where are you from?
31:42It's a massive air lift operation being carried out by
31:46Nepal army and civilian authorities.
31:49Every minute there is one sortie that is landing and taking off.
31:52The people who are evacuated from worst affected areas are being brought to one of the airways
31:59and then being taken to the safer places.
32:01Remember, Rusuwa, Rishugli and the 50 km of the stretch where people were stranded, being
32:07evacuated and now these sorties are also ensuring to provide the maximum aid and relief, medicines.
32:13Even we see the school children, those who are stranded, are being brought to the safer
32:17area and then being dispatched.
32:18So this is primarily from the search to rescue to the evac operation.
32:22It's a massive operation being carried out by the Nepalese government, the army, the police
32:27and all the authorities.
32:34Please understand, viewer, that this is a massive rescue challenge and very difficult, especially
32:39with the kind of terrain that there is right now, where even the army personnel will have
32:43to venture.
32:44Boots on the ground are not easy right now.
32:46With more than 700 people still missing after the devastating flash flood, India, China, other
32:52countries have offered any help that is required.
32:55Helicopters, trained rescue teams.
32:57But for now, Nepal government, for a certain reason, has chosen to rely on their own agencies
33:02for the search operation.
33:03So they've turned down offers for now of several countries to deploy foreign search and rescue
33:09teams, saying their security agencies are enough for now and they have the capacity to
33:13lead ongoing ops.
33:13So what India has done is have sent any relief material that is required, aircrafts being sent
33:20and Nepal has the authority to use it the way they feel best.
33:24US, UK, China, other teams also have offered to send rescue personnel if required.
33:29But of course, that approval will have to come from Nepal government.
33:32Now, the decision, according to Nepalese officials, is possibly shaped for a reason.
33:38Remember, Nepal experienced the 2015 devastating earthquake.
33:42And there were multiple international rescue contingents that did come, did help.
33:47But there was a significant coordination and logistical challenge as well.
33:51Miscommunication often.
33:53Kathmandu now wants to maintain one clear rescue command.
33:56Nepal agencies are leading operations on the ground.
33:59But this doesn't mean that Nepal is shutting door on international assistance.
34:02As India is constantly in touch with Nepal government, relief supplies, financial contributions, foreign
34:09missions have been asked to route it through the Nepalese government.
34:13Prime Minister's Relief Fund will be helping to centralise and coordinate any assistance.
34:18India, meanwhile, has already sent more than 45 tonnes of humanitarian aid, remains ready
34:23to provide further assistance.
34:25A special emergency response team has been set up by Nepal to coordinate rescue.
34:30Any other assistance of councillor nature involving foreign nationals has also been set up.
34:48Flash floods have wreaked havoc in Nepal.
34:51The Himalayan country is now staring at a mammoth task of locating and rescuing more than 700 missing people.
35:00But Nepal has declined offers from India, China and several other countries to deploy helicopters
35:06for the search and rescue of missing people.
35:12Amid these difficult times, India stands rock solid with its neighbour.
35:16More than 45 tonnes of humanitarian aid already sent.
35:21As requested by Nepal, India is preparing to send a tunnel rescue team for which a reconnaissance
35:26team is being flown in first to assess ground situation.
35:32India also offered to send NDRF teams to assist with the rescue efforts.
35:38There may be some medical teams also going out there.
35:43And, you know, on other things from our side, if they require NDRF people to go, we will send
35:50them.
35:51We have given them that option.
35:55Two planes of relief supplies have already gone out there.
35:58Third plane will be taking off today.
36:03Nepal is accepting foreign assistance in the form of relief supplies and financial contributions.
36:15According to reports in Kathmandu Media, the Nepal's experience after the April 2015 earthquake
36:22was central to the decision of not inviting foreign rescue teams.
36:27After the 2015 earthquake, the influx of foreign search and rescue teams and competition among
36:34countries caused significant coordination and management issues.
36:39Kathmandu now wants to avoid to repeat by retaining a clear Nepali chain of command rather than accommodating
36:46several independently operating foreign rescue teams.
36:49Presence of so many teams caused difficulties in coordinating their movements and complicated
36:55management at a time when airports, roads and communication networks were already under strain.
37:06Nepal also instructed its missions aboard to seek financial support only through the Prime Minister
37:12Relief Fund.
37:14This one-door mechanism is intended to centralize contributions, avoid duplication and allow the
37:19government to decide where resources are most urgently needed.
37:24But it is a race against time for the Nepalese rescue teams to save hundreds of survivors after
37:31catastrophic flash floods.
37:33With Shweta Singh, Ashutosh Mishra, Rohit Singh and Pankaj Das, Bureau Report, India Today.
37:42Pranayupadhyay continues to be with us.
37:44Pranay time is running out as well.
37:46But there are stories of miracles also, I'm sure.
37:49What do you say to some of the work while it is being done?
37:53The ones who are waiting back home to hear any word.
37:56The assurance that's coming in from the government.
37:59And many are asking why the Nepal government would refuse any external help at this time.
38:07That is a very big question, Pooja.
38:09At a time when Nepal need, you know, help and a crucial golden time is being lost, you know,
38:16because of the difficulties, the terrain challenge, because of the inclement weather there.
38:21And also, you know, the growing and multiplying danger about a further glacial, you know, lake
38:26outburst or any similar situation.
38:29But this is a sovereign right and sovereign decision of the Nepalese government.
38:33And after having an experience of 2015, a Nepal earthquake, you know,
38:37government of India is also perhaps cautious about this thing.
38:41And I think the Nepalese government is also perhaps being, you know,
38:46extra careful about not accepting any foreign assistance or having any foreign, you know,
38:51team working and operating from the Nepalese soil.
38:53Rather, they are accepting assistance in terms of the man and material, you know,
38:58through the Nepalese government only.
39:01And that's why government of India is, you know, is channelizing Indian assistance
39:06based on the Nepalese requirement.
39:08As you rightly mentioned, that the Nepalese government has asked India to send a tunnel
39:13rescue team for which a reconnaissance team is also being flown in Nepal to assess the ground
39:19situation.
39:19Besides that, the medical team is also, you know, ready to be flown in Nepal.
39:25And that means all assistance are based on the Nepalese requirement.
39:28But as you heard, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randeep Jaraswar,
39:32clearly mentioning that India has offered the assistance of an NDRF team and specialized
39:36equipment.
39:37So India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed to the Nepalese Prime Minister,
39:41Balen Shah, in their telephonic conversation, that India remains steadfast with the government
39:45of Nepal in this difficult time.
39:46But the real problem, the bigger problem here, Pooja, is that many foreign lives are at stake.
39:53Many foreigners are still standing missing there in Nepal.
39:57And in fact, every government want to help Nepal so that there are...
40:01And some of their own citizens who could be possibly at risk also right now.
40:04But it is eventually another nation.
40:06So Nepal will have to take that decision about whether it can allow international assistance.
40:12And if they have the confidence, clearly, that they will be able to do as much as possible
40:17to save lives.
40:17Pran, I appreciate you joining us.
40:19And I understand that these are times of gloom and the kind of disaster we are witnessing.
40:23But amid these times have also come out stories and updates of courage and of hope, miracles
40:29that are happening.
40:30And because Nepal is not taking in or accepting any rescue personnel of other countries to help
40:36and pitch in, the Nepalese army has been working round the clock to rescue those stranded
40:40in flooded areas.
40:41And there's a reason that men and women in uniform have a different kind of determination
40:45to save lives.
40:47Let's take a look at some of the official images that have been shared by the Nepal army.
40:51Rescue operations across flood-affected areas, evacuating injured people, children from areas
40:56especially who have been hit by the floods.
40:59Field teams are providing medicines, emergency medical assistance.
41:03Rescue mission also continues.
41:04All of these are from official channels of the Nepal army.
41:11A miracle like this, ladies and gentlemen, that's a five-month-old infant baby rescued by
41:16the Nepal army from the flooded region.
41:18Nepal army shared these visuals saying, every life saved is a victory for humanity.
41:23Rescue teams continue operations in the flood-affected areas.
41:29Dramatic visuals from Nepal.
41:31Look at this.
41:31These are rescue personnel from the army crawling through the thick mud and quicksand to reach
41:38trapped workers who were trapped inside the hydropower tunnel project in floodhead Rasuvagadi
41:43district.
41:43This is the upper Trishuli hydropower project.
41:45But the rescuers had to battle treacherous conditions, putting their own life at risk,
41:50but managing to save at least some of the trapped workers and bring them out to safety.
41:58Nepal's Prime Minister's office saying 350 people have been rescued from the tunnel.
42:02533 residents at least have been moved to safer areas across the district.
42:06Rescue mission continues.
42:07100 people at least are still trapped.
42:15That's Nepalese army personnel who are distributing relief materials, indulging in search and rescue
42:21across flood-affected areas.
42:23Teams are reaching stranded communities with essential supplies as well, while rescue missions
42:27are owned.
42:28But remember, this is while there's another flood alert also that's come in, so everyone
42:31will have to be very cautious, even while attempting the rescue operations.
42:46external affairs minister S.J. Shankar was at the airport in Delhi, where at least 21 Indian
42:52nationals safely rescued, returning back home.
42:56Most of them are from Tamil Nadu, we are told.
42:58These are 21 individuals who have been confirmed to have survived that sort of disaster.
43:06And here's what the minister has said.
43:08I quote him here first.
43:09I was deeply moved upon hearing their experiences firsthand.
43:12Remember, what they would be describing to the minister would be absolutely overwhelming
43:16to hear, because the fact is, over 320 Indian tourists are still missing.
43:22400 Kailash Mansar over Yatra pilgrims are still stranded, but safe, confirmed by China
43:28authorities.
43:29That they may be stranded.
43:30It may not be difficult for them to reach India very soon, but at least they are safe
43:35and alive.
43:36And for the family members back home, that would be enough news.
43:41I received a group of people, Indians, who had gone on pilgrimage to Kailash Mansar over.
43:55And they had been rescued after the floods, so they were brought back to Kathmandu.
44:03They were rescued by the Nepali Army, and then our embassy arranged for them to come back.
44:11So I just came to meet them, and of course, you know, shared our great relief that they
44:19were safe and sound, and learned from them about their experiences.
44:25They had come, they were taken to Kathmandu, and our embassy has arranged for them to come
44:29back to India by the flight, which has just come in.
44:34So I want to say right now, we are still very much focused on contacting all the Indians who
44:43are dead.
44:43We believe a little more than 300, exact number keeps going up and down, about 315 Indians
44:51are still not being contacted.
44:54Roughly about 85 Indians have been rescued from various places, including this group of 21
45:02people who have just arrived.
45:08And they told me about exactly what happened to them, how the floods came, and they were
45:15very thankful, particularly to the Nepal Army, which made this great effort to get them out
45:23of that very difficult place where they were.
45:27So as much, of course, this is a tragedy and a disaster, I also want to remind the viewer
45:31about some relief that is coming for some families in India.
45:34For these 21 tourists from Tamil Nadu, who were part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra group,
45:40the rescue, the miraculous stories, and the fact that they are reaching back home, will
45:44of course be something that the family will be extremely relieved about.
45:47But there is uncertainty for many others, for over 300 Indians who are still untraceable.
45:53Tamil Nadu to Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, especially families from the southern states,
45:57is where a lot of them are waiting for one phone call to confirm their relatives are safe.
46:08Amid the deaths and destructions unleashed by flash floods in Nepal, relief for 21 tourists
46:15from Tamil Nadu.
46:16They were rescued from the flood-hit region and have returned to India.
46:20They have been received by External Affairs Minister S. Jay Shankar.
46:25They were brought back to Kathmandu, they were rescued by the Nepali army, and then our embassy
46:32arranged for them to come back.
46:34So I just came to meet them and of course, you know, shared our great relief that they were
46:42safe and sound.
46:44In Delhi, Tamil Nadu ministers are coordinating the rescue efforts.
46:49Public Works Minister Adhav Arjuna, School Education Minister Raj Mohan, Agriculture Minister
46:55Vinoth and Minister for Non-Resident Tamil Welfare Tenarasu visited the help desk control room
47:02at Tamil Nadu House.
47:03The team is coordinating with authorities to trace and evacuate those still stranded.
47:10106 people from Tamil Nadu and Puducheri has embarked on the Mansarovar Yatra.
47:15While 21 have been rescued, authorities are ascertaining the whereabouts of the remaining tourists.
47:48The latest figure of Spain, a grim picture.
47:51In Keralam, several families are waiting for answers.
47:56The government agency involved in rescue coordination, Norka Roots, say 53 Keralites, including
48:02children, are still stranded in Nepal.
48:30From Karnataka, at least 13 people are stranded in Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous
48:34region.
48:3511 of them are from Bengaluru urban district.
48:38And from Andhra Pradesh, 41 people have so far been identified as stranded.
48:4434 have been confirmed safe.
48:46But the whereabouts of seven people are still unknown.
48:50Andhra Chief Minister N.
48:51Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to use every possible channel to ensure their safety.
49:23Andhra Chief Minister N.
49:25Andhra Chief Minister N.
49:25Andhra Chief Minister N.
49:32As rescue teams battle another round of deluge and blocked routes in Nepal, the biggest priority
49:39remains clear- bring every stranded Indian home safely.
49:43with Apoorva Jayachandran, Anagar Keshav,
49:47Shivi Molkeji and Abdul Bashir,
49:48Bureau Report, India Today.
49:52I spoke to Lohit Kumar.
49:54He's the cousin brother of Suhasani Reddy
49:56who remains missing in Nepal.
49:57And he says he's ready to go into Nepal
50:00to find the sister wherever required.
50:02Leaving you with this conversation
50:04to help you understand it's not about statistics.
50:06It's about families waiting for some call.
50:11When you look at this image,
50:1221 Indians, I'm told,
50:14have arrived back home here in India.
50:17About over 90 have at least been traced.
50:20Is Suhasani one of them who's been traced
50:23or have you had any contact with her
50:24since the past 24 hours?
50:27Till now, no.
50:29And we are just hoping that,
50:31okay, some communication may develop
50:34and we get a call from someone saying that,
50:38okay, your sister is safe.
50:39Okay, and if she talks with us,
50:43that should be good.
50:45And right now, from the morning,
50:47I was continuously approaching the authorities.
50:51Sir, if you allow me,
50:53then I never mind traveling there.
50:57And my brother already,
50:58he started from New Zealand.
50:59and he's also coming.
51:01And we both go there
51:03and we'll search on our own
51:05and finding our sheltered places,
51:08our hospitals,
51:09or wherever they shifted.
51:11And since we don't know what is happening,
51:15and for the last 50 hours,
51:20we are in a terrible tension.
51:24It's anyone's nightmare, Lohith.
51:25I absolutely understand.
51:26In fact, we have put Suhasani's images on our screen.
51:28If anyone can recognize her,
51:30even watching in Nepal,
51:31please alert wherever you possibly can.
51:33When was the last conversation you had with Suhasani?
51:36Where was she the last time you spoke to her?
51:37See, when she was in Australia,
51:40she told that she's coming
51:41and we'll have a get-together here.
51:45And since Suhasani is my first cousin,
51:50and her parents,
51:52they live in Elvinaga,
51:54and I put up somewhere.
51:56So, they're in the family group
51:59and the family messages were going on.
52:02So, because of my busy,
52:03I didn't look.
52:04And if I know that she's traveling alone,
52:08I would have not advised.
52:12Was she traveling alone, sir?
52:14Or was she with a group?
52:15And where was she the last you heard about her?
52:17Yeah, actually, the thing is,
52:18from Hyderabad,
52:19she traveled alone to Kathmandu.
52:21Okay.
52:22Via Delhi.
52:23She had been to Delhi,
52:24Delhi to Kathmandu.
52:26And she called her one of her friends from Australia,
52:29and there was a group of people.
52:32Total, 29 people were
52:34they joined in Kathmandu.
52:37There they booked
52:38their tour operator,
52:40Kailash Jarnes.
52:42And when we came to know about this,
52:46after seeing the visuals
52:47and it's terrified,
52:49and we were panicked,
52:52then we started communicating.
52:55Till then,
52:56we were under the impression
52:56that she sent a video a day before,
52:59she sent a photograph
53:01on the same day.
53:03And with that,
53:04we were under the impression...
53:06From Nepal.
53:06From Nepal.
53:07Yeah.
53:10And the last call,
53:11she made with her husband,
53:14Sanjay Reddy,
53:15who also in Australia,
53:18and saying that everything is fine,
53:20weather is fine,
53:21and now we are going...
53:22We are now proceeding towards immigration.
53:27So...
53:28Yeah.
53:29That was the last call.
53:30After one hour,
53:32then no communication.
53:34No messages,
53:36no calls,
53:37no contact.
53:38No contact.