The death toll from flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border has risen above 540, with more than 1,500 people still missing. Rescue teams resumed operations after being forced to withdraw over fears an overflowing debris dam could trigger fresh flooding.
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Key facts
- At least 543 people have been killed, according to authorities in Nepal and China, with Nepal reporting 538 deaths and Tibet five.
- More than 1,500 people remain missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals and tourists.
- Rescue operations were suspended for at least 90 minutes after a debris dam overflowed, then resumed.
- Residents in Nepal's Rasuwa district rushed up hillsides to escape a possible river surge.
- The Nepali army is working to evacuate about 100 people trapped in a tunnel at a flooded hydropower project.
Rescue teams searching for survivors of deadly flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border have resumed their efforts after suspending operations when a debris dam burst its bank on Friday, increasing the risk of fresh flooding, according to the Guardian.
Authorities in Nepal had stopped rescue operations for at least 90 minutes, an army officer said, after the risk of the lake bursting forced teams to withdraw. Residents in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, on the border with Tibet, were seen rushing up hillsides on Friday to escape a possible surge in the river, according to witnesses.
The death toll from Wednesday’s disaster has continued to climb. Authorities in Nepal and China said that at least 543 people had been killed, with Nepal reporting 538 deaths and Tibet five. Earlier updates had put the combined toll at 474 before it rose further through the day.
More than 1,500 people remain missing amid the race to find survivors, the Guardian reported, including hundreds of foreign nationals and tourists.
The Nepali army is continuing its operation to save about 100 people trapped in a tunnel at a hydropower project swamped by Wednesday’s flooding. “Two helicopters have been dispatched but it is challenging because it is tough to even locate the entry points of the tunnel,” army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet told AFP.
Relief efforts are also under way to provide those already rescued with what they need, while the army works to safely evacuate the more than 100 people still trapped in the same tunnel.
Why it matters
Flash floods across the Nepal-Tibet border have killed hundreds and left more than 1,500 people missing, marking one of the region's deadliest recent disasters. The ongoing risk of a debris dam bursting shows how rescue efforts remain dangerous and unpredictable, complicating the search for survivors, including foreign tourists.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have died in the Nepal-Tibet flash floods?
Authorities in Nepal and China said at least 543 people had been killed, with Nepal reporting 538 deaths and Tibet five. Earlier figures during the day placed the toll at 474.
Why were rescue operations halted?
Rescue teams were forced to withdraw for at least 90 minutes after a debris dam overflowed and burst its bank on Friday, raising the risk of fresh flooding. Operations later resumed.
Are people still trapped?
Yes. The Nepali army is working to evacuate about 100 people trapped in a tunnel at a hydropower project swamped by the flooding, and more than 1,500 people overall remain missing.
Timeline
- Nepal and China resume flood rescue as death toll nears 600
Al Jazeera: Rescue operations have resumed after a brief pause, but experts caution of danger from a newly formed lake.
- Nepal and China resume flood rescue as death toll surpasses 600
Al Jazeera: Rescue operations have resumed after a brief pause, but experts caution of danger from a newly formed lake.
- Nepal-Tibet flash flood: death toll rises above 540 as rescue operations resume – latest updates
The Guardian World: More than 1,500 people are missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals and tourists, amid race to find survivors Flood risk forces halt to rescues in Tibet, as Nepal death toll rises to 469 Visual guide: how the deadly flooding unfolded Tell us: have you been affected by the
- Nepal-Tibet flash flood: death toll rises to 543 as rescue operations resume – latest updates
The Guardian World: Nepal has reported 538 deaths and Tibet five, with 1,500 people still missing amid race to find survivors Flood risk forces halt to rescues in Tibet, as Nepal death toll rises to 469 Visual guide: how the deadly flooding unfolded Tell us: have you been affected by the flash flood
- Nepal-Tibet flood rescue efforts resume after being halted by overflowing lake
The Guardian World: Risk of fresh flooding had forced rescue teams to withdraw as residents rushed up hills to escape possible river surge Nepal-Tibet flash flood – latest updates Visual guide: how the deadly flooding unfolded Tell us: have you been affected by the flash floods? Rescuers searching f
- Nepal-Tibet flash flood: rescue operations resume after halting over lake overflow; death toll rises to 474 – latest updates
The Guardian World: Operations were suspended amid fears of further destruction; 1,500 people still missing amid race to find survivors Flood risk forces halt to rescues in Tibet, as Nepal death toll rises to 469 Visual guide: how the deadly flooding unfolded Tell us: have you been affected by the f
- Overflowing lake halts rescue efforts as Nepal-Tibet flood death toll hits 474
The Guardian World: Risk of lake bursting forces rescue teams to withdraw as residents rush up hills to escape possible river surge Nepal-Tibet flash flood – latest updates Visual guide: how the deadly flooding unfolded Tell us: have you been affected by the flash floods? Rescuers searching for surv