Nepal continued to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating flash floods on Saturday, as rescue teams searched for survivors and authorities remained on alert over the risk of further flooding.
Death toll rises as search continues
The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal rose to 675 on Saturday, with bodies recovered from all eight affected districts as search-and-rescue operations continued. Nearly 3,000 people remain missing, including about 2,426 in Nepal and at least 554 in Tibet's Gyirong County. Nearly 2,500 people have been evacuated.
Fresh rain, barrier lake raise risk of further flooding
Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warned of fresh rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning in several parts of the country, with rain in Rasuwa's Bhotekoshi flood-affected area potentially disrupting rescue operations. Authorities are also monitoring a new barrier lake upstream in Tibet, which Chinese officials have warned could breach and trigger another flood surge downstream in Nepal.
India, China step up rescue support
India has sent an 11-member team of medical personnel and tunnel rescue experts to Nepal at the request of the Nepalese government, while Nepal has sought India's help in constructing 42 Bailey bridges to restore transport links in flood-hit areas. China has also offered emergency financial assistance and aid, with relief supplies expected in Kathmandu and two teams of tunnel rescue experts headed to affected areas.
Indians among those still missing
The Ministry of External Affairs said 287 Indians remained missing and 88 had been rescued as of Saturday. It also said 128 persons of Indian origin remained uncontactable, while 120 Indian nationals stranded on the Chinese side had safely crossed into Nepal.
