Nepal Flood Disaster: Death Toll Rises to 478, Over 1,200 Missing
Floods and landslides have devastated northern and central Nepal, with 856 foreigners among the 1,281 people still missing.
- Death toll rises to 478
- Over 1,200 people remain missing
- 856 foreigners among the missing
The death toll from devastating floods and landslides in Nepal and China has risen to 478, while more than 1,200 people remain missing, according to officials.
Nepalese police reported that 475 people had died in Wednesday’s floods, while China confirmed three deaths in the southwestern Xizang Autonomous Region, also known as Tibet, bringing the combined toll to 478.
The floods and landslides struck northern and central Nepal, sweeping through communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers and carrying people, vehicles and debris downstream.
Figures released by authorities in Nepal and China indicate that 1,281 people, including 856 foreigners, remain unaccounted for.
Nepal’s Foreign Ministry said 596 people from 33 countries were still missing, while another 127 Nepalese nationals were unaccounted for, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
China reported that 558 people, including 260 foreigners, remained missing in Tibet as search-and-rescue operations continued.
Among the missing foreigners, 288 are Indian nationals, including 73 people working on the Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project.
Hundreds of residents, construction workers and tourists in affected areas of Gyirong County in Tibet have been evacuated and moved to safer locations.
Meanwhile, Nepal has begun assessing the scale of the damage, with authorities warning that the destruction of critical infrastructure has complicated rescue and recovery efforts.
Nepal Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok B. Chhetri said security agencies were managing the emergency and that the government would seek specialised international assistance if necessary.
The floods and landslides destroyed homes, bridges, roads and other critical infrastructure, leaving several communities and travellers cut off.
The Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been deployed for search, rescue and evacuation operations, while helicopters are being used to reach isolated communities and evacuate survivors.
The Nepal Tourism Board is also working to verify the whereabouts of tourists and travellers who were in or travelling through Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading when the disaster struck.
