Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises to 626, Over 2,400 Still Missing as Heavy Rains Hamper Rescue

Nepal is grappling with the aftermath of devastating flash floods and landslides that struck Rasuwa and other parts of central Nepal on Wednesday after an ice-and-rock avalanche triggered by a glacial collapse near the China border.

The disaster has killed 626 people in Nepal, according to Nepal Police, while thousands remain missing across Nepal and Tibet. Floodwaters have destroyed roads, bridges, settlements and hydropower infrastructure, leaving several areas difficult to access.

Authorities have also warned of the possibility of further flooding. Water levels have reportedly risen again around the Bhotekoshi River area, prompting officials to urge residents and rescue teams in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli regions to remain alert and move to safer locations if conditions worsen.

NEPAL FLASH FLOODS: LATEST UPDATES

At least 2,478 people remain unaccounted for across Nepal and Tibet following the floods and landslides. According to Xinhua, 1,924 people are missing in Nepal, while 554 remain unaccounted for in Tibet.

The combined figure is more than 1,000 higher than the number reported on Thursday. Authorities have cautioned that the toll and missing-person figures could change as search teams continue to assess affected areas.

Nepal’s disaster management authorities said 517 foreigners, including tourists and foreign workers, remain missing. Chinese officials have separately reported 260 foreigners missing on their side of the border.

The Nepal Tourism Board said 121 tourists have been rescued following the floods and landslides. However, an exact figure for the total number of people rescued, including local residents and foreign workers, has not yet been established.

Nepal Police has put the country’s death toll at 626, up from the 579 deaths reported by the disaster agency on Friday. Seven additional deaths have been confirmed in Tibet.

RESCUE OPERATIONS HAMPERED BY DAMAGED ROADS

Rescue efforts have been complicated by extensive damage to roads and other infrastructure. Chinese rescue personnel were able to reach the worst-hit Gyirong border crossing only on Friday after floodwaters destroyed roads leading to the area.

A 21-member Chinese rescue team, accompanied by a search-and-rescue dog, crossed mountains and valleys to reach affected locations. The team used ropes to navigate forests, steep cliffs and other difficult terrain while searching for survivors.

With thousands still unaccounted for and fresh flooding remaining a concern, authorities on both sides of the border are continuing search-and-rescue operations while monitoring water levels and weather conditions.