Rescuers reach Nepal-China flood disaster zone as children’s crisis grows

Al Jazeera’s Katrina Yu reports live from Beijing that Chinese rescuers have finally reached Jirong, the area hardest hit by the glacial flood, after a two-day trek through the mountains because the roads were destroyed. Teams described scenes of total devastation, with thick mud burying a seven-story building. Around 2,000 personnel are now on the ground, split between mountain routes, river access and road repair. China is also closely monitoring a barrier lake upstream that briefly overflowed Friday, forcing a temporary halt to rescue operations; officials say it’s now draining, though more rain and glacial meltwater keep it a concern.

In Kathmandu, Save the Children Nepal director Tara Chettri tells Al Jazeera that at least 18,000 children have been affected, many losing their homes, schools, or contact with family. Nine children were reunited with relatives in a single day, but access to isolated areas like Rasuwa has been a major obstacle, easing only as new routes open. Chettri says 69 schools have been destroyed, leaving 18,000 children out of class, and warns that mental health support, disease risk and long-term recovery funding are urgent priorities alongside immediate relief.

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Source: Al Jazeera (video)