Nepal Seeks Data Pact With China After Flood

Nepal is seeking a formal agreement with China for more frequent real-time data on rainfall, river levels, and glacial hazards, following a catastrophic flash flood that killed hundreds and left thousands missing along the Nepal-China border. The disaster has intensified calls for stronger cross-border cooperation on disaster monitoring and early warning systems.

The flash floods, triggered by a glacier collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, swept through northern and central Nepal, causing massive destruction. As of August 31, Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported the death toll had risen to 903, with 4,247 people still missing. In Tibet, officials reported 16 deaths at Gyirong Port, with 546 people missing, including 49 Indian nationals.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with a focus on reaching 933 workers believed trapped in tunnels at 11 hydropower projects in the hard-hit districts of Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Using excavators and controlled blasts, teams are clearing debris, having recovered three bodies from two tunnels so far. Nearly 21,000 security personnel are involved in Nepal's efforts, while China has deployed over 2,100...