KATHMANDU—The scale of the devastation caused by flash
floods in Nepal's Trishuli River valley is beginning to emerge through the
analysis of satellite images. More than 2,500 buildings were completely
destroyed after the flooding on August 26.
The estimate was based on data from the European Union's
Copernicus Emergency Management Service and covers three areas considered
potentially affected. The figure represents approximately two-thirds of all
buildings identified in those areas.
When structures that suffered partial damage are included,
more than seven out of every ten buildings were affected, highlighting the
force with which the torrent of water, mud, ice, and rocks swept through the
narrow valley.
The areas analyzed include sectors of Timure, Syabrubesi and
Bidur, towns located north of Kathmandu and which before the tragedy housed
about 6,000 people.