Amid ongoing search and rescue operations in Nepal, where several South Africans have been reported missing, there are fears that a secondary flood may occur.
According to reports, rain that is forecast for Gyirong County in Tibet, bordering Nepal, could cause a “high-risk dam” to breach and lead to renewed flooding. The dam reportedly formed as a result of the landslide that supposedly caused the initial flood.
The exact cause of the natural disasters, especially the flood, is yet to be officially confirmed, with investigation expected to get underway once rescue missions have been concluded.
The death toll in the flash flood on Wednesday has since risen to at least 460, with hundreds more reported missing. Among those missing are now six South Africans, the Nepal Tourism Board confirmed. In its statement, it noted that 667 people were still missing by 17:30 on Thursday, the majority of whom were Indian nationals, followed by Nepalese nationals.
The tourism agency confirmed on Thursday that 31 foreign nationals had been rescued since the flood, but none of whom were South Africans.
It said it is working with travel agencies, guides and local authorities to obtain the last known information on the other travellers.
“The authorities are also working to verify the status of travelers who may have been stranded, displaced or remain unaccounted for following the floods. Information received is from different agencies is being cross-checked and updated on a regular basis to ensure accuracy,” read the Nepal Tourism Board’s statement.
Meanwhile, Gift of the Givers are ready, but still waiting for the opportunity to assist the country in rescue efforts, noting travel to the country has been hampered by damage to roads and flight landing strips.
The organisation’s Imitiaz Sooliman said his team will meet with the Department of Cooperation and International Relations and the Nepalese embassy on Friday morning to finalise arrangements to send teams out.
“We are already in touch with the Nepalese embassy in South Africa. They are ready to process visas, if the call for international assistance is made. We are also in touch with the Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, who has made available four dog handlers and four dogs that will join the Gift of the Givers team. We already have 11 members confirmed, ready to fly,” said Sooliman.
READ MORE: Not safe for SA team to head over to Nepal yet – Smile 90.4FM
WATCH | In an SABC News exclusive, reporter Taliesha Naidoo speaks with a family member of Terricia Govender, one of six South Africans reported missing in Nepal, as uncertainty and anxiety continue to mount following the devastating flash floods. pic.twitter.com/adYFcFsNYJ
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 27, 2026
