Nearly 800 persons have been confirmed dead so far and close to 3000 people are still missing in the aftermath of deadly flash floods that hit Nepal-Tibet border.
Bodies were recovered from eight affected districts as rescuers have expedited operations to search for those missing and rescue those stranded after the disaster.
An ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border sent a torrent of water, mud and debris downstream, wiping out towns and villages, damaging crucial infrastructure and washing away hydropower stations through northern and central Nepal on August 26.
As per official confirmation from National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the death toll has surged to 788.
The NDRRMA further said that at least 2502 people are still missing, while 9435 people have been rescued from flood-hit areas so far.
The disaster killed 16 people on the Chinese side as well, while nearly 550 people remain missing in Tibet, according to Chinese media reports.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NDRRMA warned that water levels in the Bhotekoshi River had risen again. “The water level in the flooded Bhotekoshi River has risen to some extent; all concerned are urged to take precautionary measures,” it said, adding that it will provide updates on the situation after receiving additional information.
The Bhotekoshi River, which flows south from the Himalayan border region, carried the floodwaters downstream, creating havoc on August 26.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi, meanwhile, said that more than 275 Indians and 128 persons of Indian origin remain missing or non-contactable in Nepal.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com