Kathmandu: The death toll from the devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border has risen to 392, with more than 1,400 people still missing, including 290 Indians, officials said on Thursday.
Of those killed, 389 were from Nepal and three from Tibet. Rescue teams continued their search through mud, rocks and debris for people who may still be trapped in the affected areas.
Nepal Police said 796 people, including 50 foreign nationals, had been rescued by helicopters, while another 796 were evacuated to safety by road. Authorities have not yet disclosed the nationalities of the foreign nationals rescued.
Officials said a massive collapse of ice and rocks, possibly triggered by a glacial failure near the Nepal-China border, may have caused the flash floods. Initial reports had attributed the disaster to a 4.4-magnitude earthquake, but preliminary assessments by Nepal and a revised analysis by the US Geological Survey ruled out the earthquake as the cause.
The collapse is believed to have temporarily blocked the flow of the Lhende river, creating a natural dam. When the barrier gave way, a huge volume of water, mud and debris surged downstream. The flood swept through Timure before joining the Trishuli river, officials said.
Meanwhile, authorities have warned of the possibility of another major flood after a new barrier lake formed near the source region of the Bhote Koshi river system. The accumulation of debris has restricted water flow, raising fears that a breach could unleash a powerful wave downstream.
The flood forecasting division has advised people in vulnerable areas to remain alert.
Rescue and relief operations are continuing with the help of helicopters, drones and ground teams.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah visited the affected areas and directed officials to step up relief operations and clear blocked roads. Chinese Premier Li Qiang also visited the Gyirong area to review rescue and relief efforts.
