Nepal flood death toll hits 552 as over 1,400 remain missing, rescue efforts intensify

Nepal is battling one of its worst natural disasters after catastrophic floods along the Nepal-Tibet border claimed at least 552 lives, while more than 1,400 people remain missing.

Nepal Police confirmed 547 deaths, while Chinese authorities reported five additional fatalities across the border in Tibet.

The disaster was triggered by a glacial collapse that unleashed massive torrents of ice, mud and debris, according to the US Geological Survey.

Indian authorities also recovered seven bodies from rivers flowing from Nepal, although those deaths have not been included in the official toll.

Fresh flooding threats emerged after a debris-formed lake burst in Tibet, forcing rescue teams in both Nepal and China to withdraw from dangerous areas.

Nepali police warned rescuers to “immediately move to a safe location,” after receiving reports that “a water dam has burst again on the Tibetan side.”

Chinese state media also reported that emergency teams were ordered to suspend operations because overflowing floodwaters posed a serious risk to rescuers.

In Nepal, the military said helicopters had been deployed to rescue people trapped inside the Trishuli 3A hydropower project, where more than 100 people are still stranded.

Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said, “Two helicopters have been dispatched, but it is challenging because it is tough to even locate the entry points of the tunnel.”

Flood survivor Buddha Tamang recalled the terrifying moment, saying, “I survived as I was in the tunnel,” adding, “The senior officers working on the other side, they were all swept away.”

Among those desperately waiting for news is Kula Priya, who pleaded, “I don’t care for wealth. I just want my son back. If any of you could rescue my son, please do it for me,” while lamenting, “We had three houses, all of which were washed away by the floods.”

Hundreds of foreign tourists, including Hindu pilgrims travelling to Mount Kailash, remain unaccounted for, as families across several countries continue to hope for news of their loved ones.