Death toll rises to 682 in floods striking Nepal and Tibet
As the death toll rises from the devastating floods and landslides in Nepal and Tibet, international support has been called upon to locate missing persons.
The death toll from severe floods and landslides in the Nepal and Tibet region has reached 682. Following the disaster, which left thousands missing, the Nepal government appealed to neighboring countries for specialized international assistance for search and rescue operations.
Death toll and missing persons in the disaster
The toll continues to worsen due to the disaster affecting Nepal and Tibet. The death toll on the Nepal side was announced as 675, while seven people were confirmed dead in Tibet, bringing the total death toll to 682.
Nepal's disaster agency reported that 2,426 people are missing within its borders, while China's Xinhua agency announced that 554 people are missing in Tibet. In total, nearly 3,000 people remain unaccounted for.
Search, rescue and evacuation efforts
More than 3,700 people have been rescued across Nepal so far. According to Red Cross data, at least 93,000 people have been directly affected by the disaster.
Authorities are prioritizing the rescue of workers trapped in mud-filled tunnels, particularly at hydroelectric power plants such as Trishuli 3A and 3B.
International expert support teams
Rescue teams from the Nepali army sent air pipes into the tunnels where the trapped workers are located. An 11-member technical reconnaissance team from India and a tunnel rescue team from China have been deployed to the region.
The Nepal government announced that special international support has been requested, including technical teams for tunnel rescues and freezers to preserve bodies.
International appeal for aid
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that reconstruction efforts could cost billions of dollars and called on the international community for support.
Authorities continue to seek urgent cooling devices and external aid to properly store bodies due to the risks of rapid decomposition.
Security measures and other developments
Nepal's disaster response agency warned against flying unauthorized drones in areas affected by the flood disaster, citing potential hazards for rescue helicopters.
Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that Cara Severino, an Australian citizen who had been missing, was safely located by consular officials.