The death toll from flash floods and mudslides along the Nepal-China border rose above 1,300 on Friday, while more than 5,600 others remained missing, nine days after the disaster struck the Himalayan region, according to official data from both countries.
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said 1,287 people were killed, while 5,083 others, including 583 foreigners, remained missing.
The latest data was released after Nepal rescued two people from the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project.
At least six hydropower projects have been hit by flash floods on the Nepalese side of the border, while a search continues for around 900 personnel deployed at the facilities.
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The disaster authority also said the Chaulani River is half-blocked and warned that continued landslides could completely block the river.
The District Administration Office in Darchula urged residents along the riverbanks, lower riparian areas, and surrounding regions to exercise caution.
Chinese authorities said at least 31 people were killed, while 531 others remained missing in the southwestern Xizang Autonomous Region, also known as Tibet, according to Xinhua news agency.
The combined death toll on both sides of the border reached 1,318, while 5,614 people remained missing.
Of those missing, 844 are foreigners, according to official figures.
The disaster struck on Aug 26 when a glacier on Nepal’s Mount Langtang Lirung fractured at an altitude of about 5,200 metres.
The fracture triggered an ice-rock avalanche that developed into a massive debris flow and swept through valleys along the border.
Floodwaters and mudslides devastated Nepal’s Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Kavre districts, as well as the Kathmandu Valley.
The disaster also buried the Gyirong border crossing in Xizang.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneAnadolu AgencyRead More