The death toll from the catastrophic floods along the China-Nepal border has risen to at least 1,252 in Nepal
With the disaster authority reporting that rescue and relief operations remain underway. Chinese state media said 21 people were killed in Tibet, taking the combined death toll from the disaster that began on August 26 to 1,273.
Nepal has reported 4,216 people still missing, while 541 people remain unaccounted for in China, bringing the overall number of missing to 4,757.
Nearly 600 foreign nationals from more than 30 countries are also missing in Nepal, with Indians accounting for one of the largest groups. The US State Department said Wednesday that around 75 Americans remained unaccounted for.
In Kathmandu, families of missing foreign nationals have been searching hospitals and morgues for information about their loved ones. Among them was 53-year-old American Sanjeev Rai, who travelled to Nepal after learning that his wife could not be traced.
“I feel desperate, it’s been so many days,” Rai said.
The devastating floods swept through several mountainous districts, destroying roads, bridges and other vital infrastructure. The widespread damage has made it difficult for rescue teams and aid agencies to reach some of the worst-hit areas.
Aid agencies are now considering using porters to transport essential supplies to remote communities near the Chinese border. UN Resident Coordinator for Nepal Lila Pieters Yahia said discussions were also underway with the government on using helicopters and cargo drones to deliver assistance.
She also highlighted the possibility of relying on Nepal’s experienced porters, who have long played a crucial role in trekking and mountaineering expeditions and are accustomed to carrying heavy loads across difficult mountain terrain.
Meanwhile, the Nepali Army and rescue teams, including foreign specialists, continued search operations at several hydropower tunnels where people are feared to be trapped.
Army personnel are using excavators and other heavy machinery to clear debris and search for possible survivors inside the tunnels, with operations continuing on Thursday.
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