The death toll from devastating floods and landslides along the Nepal-China border has risen to 547, while another 1,473 people have been injured, according to the latest figures released by Nepal Police on Friday (August 28).
Earlier the same day, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) had reported 538 deaths and 977 people missing. Of those missing, 517 are foreign nationals.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 121 foreign nationals have so far been rescued.
Rescue operations have been intensified, with 4,473 Nepal Police personnel currently involved. The Prime Minister’s Office said an additional 1,200 army personnel are being deployed to strengthen rescue efforts in remote areas along the rivers.
According to AFP, Chinese rescuers have reached one of the areas worst affected by a glacier-related disaster. A 21-member Chinese rescue team reached the border trading centre of Gyirong on Friday afternoon, two days after the area was buried under mud and debris.
In Tibet, the death toll from Wednesday’s floods and landslides has risen to five, while 558 people remain missing. Chinese President Xi Jinping has met senior officials to discuss the disaster response and rescue operations.
Rescuers are also facing additional risks from glaciers, ice-covered lakes and potential landslides in the affected region.
A large lake formed upstream after Wednesday’s landslide blocked the flow of water, raising fears that a sudden breach could trigger another major flood.
However, Chinese state media reported on Friday that the risk posed by the lake is gradually declining, allowing rescue operations to proceed in a more controlled manner.
The continuing high casualty and missing-person figures, combined with difficult terrain, mud, debris and the lingering risk of further flooding, are making rescue operations extremely challenging.
