The death toll from Nepal’s devastating flash floods has risen sharply, with authorities confirming that 538 bodies have now been recovered.
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said search, rescue and recovery operations were continuing across areas affected by the disaster.
Authorities said 977 people remain unaccounted for, including 517 foreign nationals. The missing also include members of Nepal’s security forces and other government personnel.
Thousands of security personnel have been mobilised for rescue and relief operations, while helicopters have been deployed to reach communities cut off by damaged roads and bridges.
The disaster struck on Wednesday after a glacier collapse in the Himalayas triggered a massive torrent of water, rock, ice, mud and debris through river systems along the Nepal-China border. Villages and critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges and border facilities, were destroyed.
Nepalese authorities are also closely monitoring river systems amid concerns over further flooding caused by water accumulating behind debris.
The casualty figures have continued to rise as recovery teams reach more affected areas. The latest reported toll of 538 dead and 977 missing underscores the scale of one of the region’s worst recent natural disasters. (Newswire)
