The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 389, while six South Africans are among 468 tourists and travellers reported missing as rescuers in Nepal and Tibet race to find survivors.
The flash floods destroyed homes, swept away vehicles and bridges and cut off major roads after a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border triggered a massive surge of mud, water and debris downstream.
More than 900 people are now missing across the affected areas, while authorities continue search and rescue operations in communities hardest hit by the disaster.
Hundreds of Foreigners Missing
Nepalese authorities said hundreds of foreign nationals are among those still unaccounted for.
The missing include tourists and pilgrims from India, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries, with six South Africans also reported missing.
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A number of army and police personnel are also among those unaccounted for.
The disaster struck near the Nepal-Tibet border, a route used by tourists and pilgrims travelling towards Mount Kailash in Tibet.
Rescue Efforts Intensify
Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah said more than 13,000 security personnel from the army, armed police and national police had been deployed for search and rescue operations.
He said 69 flights had rescued 573 people, while temporary relief camps had been established for those affected.
Nepalese police said the number of people rescued or injured had reached 466 in several affected districts, although officials have reported different figures as rescue operations continue.
More Floods Feared
Authorities have warned of the possibility of another major flood after satellite information indicated that a lake was forming near the Bhote Koshi River.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said the lake appeared to be rising and could burst its banks.
Residents and rescue workers in low-lying areas have been urged to exercise extreme caution and move away from riverbanks.
The United States has said about 90 of its nationals may have been affected by the disaster, although no deaths of US citizens had been confirmed at the time of the latest update.
The US government has also announced $500,000 in emergency relief funding and deployed a disaster response adviser to support recovery efforts.
Children Among Worst Affected
UNICEF said more than 17,000 children urgently need humanitarian assistance following the floods.
The agency warned that children who survived the disaster face increased risks of disease, malnutrition, violence and exploitation.
Search and rescue operations are continuing in Nepal and Tibet as authorities work to locate those still missing and provide assistance to survivors.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.