Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises to 626, Over 2,400 Still Missing as Heavy Rains Hamper Rescue

Nepal is facing a massive humanitarian crisis after flash floods and landslides devastated Rasuwa and other parts of central Nepal on Wednesday.

The disaster was triggered after an ice-and-rock avalanche linked to a glacial collapse near the China border sent huge volumes of water and debris into downstream areas. According to Nepal Police, the death toll in Nepal has climbed to 626, while thousands remain missing across Nepal and Tibet. The floods have caused widespread destruction, washing away roads and bridges and damaging settlements and hydropower projects.

Authorities are also on alert for another round of flooding after water levels rose again around the Bhotekoshi River. Residents and rescue teams in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli areas have been advised to stay vigilant and move to safer ground if necessary.

NEPAL FLOODS: KEY DEVELOPMENTS

At least 2,478 people remain unaccounted for across Nepal and Tibet, according to Xinhua. Of those, 1,924 are missing in Nepal and 554 in Tibet.

The figure has risen by more than 1,000 from Thursday’s estimate, although officials have warned that the numbers remain fluid as authorities continue verifying reports from affected areas.

Nepal’s disaster agency said 517 foreigners, including tourists and foreign workers, are among those missing. Chinese authorities have separately reported 260 foreign nationals missing in Tibet.

The Nepal Tourism Board said 121 tourists have so far been rescued. The overall number of people rescued, including Nepali residents and foreign workers, has yet to be confirmed.

Nepal Police has revised the country’s death toll to 626, compared with 579 reported by the disaster agency on Friday. Seven more deaths have been recorded in Tibet.

SEARCH OPERATIONS FACE MAJOR CHALLENGES

Rescue efforts remain difficult because floods and landslides have destroyed key access routes. Chinese rescuers reached the badly affected Gyirong border crossing only on Friday after roads connecting the area were swept away.

A 21-member Chinese rescue team, accompanied by a search-and-rescue dog, crossed mountains and valleys to reach the disaster zone. Rescuers used ropes to move through forests, steep cliffs and other hazardous terrain while searching for survivors.

With more than 2,400 people still unaccounted for and the threat of further flooding looming, rescue teams continue to search devastated areas while authorities monitor river levels and weather conditions.