The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has climbed to 469, according to police authorities, with rescue and relief operations continuing across the worst-affected areas. Officials have warned that the number of casualties could increase as more than 1,400 people remain unaccounted for.
The disaster has also affected foreign nationals, with people from more than 30 countries reportedly missing following Wednesday’s catastrophic flooding.
According to figures shared by Nepalese authorities, 288 Indian nationals are among those missing. The number includes 73 Indians associated with a power project. The Indian government is working with Nepalese authorities to locate those missing and assist with ongoing rescue efforts.
The scale of the destruction has prompted intensified search operations, as emergency teams continue looking for survivors and assessing damage in areas cut off by floodwaters and landslides.
Tibet Reports Three Deaths After Flood Disaster
The impact of the disaster has also been felt across the border in Tibet, where three people have reportedly died, according to Chinese state media.
Authorities have evacuated 499 residents and 555 tourists from areas affected by the disaster. Officials remain concerned about the possibility of further flooding after a lake was formed by a major mudslide on Wednesday.
China has issued warnings over the possibility that the newly formed lake could overflow as heavy rainfall is expected to continue.
According to Xinhua, inflows into the lake could reach around 3 million cubic metres over the next three days if rainfall persists. Authorities have warned that a possible breach could send large volumes of water downstream, threatening areas including Gyirong Port.
Scientists Investigate What Triggered the Catastrophic Floods
As rescue workers continue their operations, scientists and satellite imagery analysts are examining the disaster to determine how the sudden flooding occurred.
Initial speculation had linked the disaster to an earthquake. However, the US Geological Survey (USGS) subsequently indicated that a glacial collapse was responsible for triggering the flash floods.
Researchers are also examining whether rising temperatures and changing conditions in the Himalayas contributed to the disaster. While some experts have pointed towards climate change and warming trends, scientists have stressed that more detailed research is required before establishing a direct link.
Mountain geographer Alton Byers, cited by the Associated Press, said: “All the indicators, to me, point to the impacts of warming trends…”
He further explained that “the permafrost that for millennia has helped to hold together high-altitude rock and ice and soil and glaciers is now weakening and becoming unstable.”
With hundreds dead and thousands still missing, authorities in Nepal and neighbouring regions are now facing a massive humanitarian and rescue challenge as they race to locate survivors and prevent further loss of life.
