Nepal-Tibet: Flood Death Toll Reaches 750, Over 3,000 Still Missing

08:10

The disaster that struck a border area between Nepal and China on Wednesday has taken a dramatic turn. Authorities from both countries now report 750 deaths and over 3,000 people missing, while search efforts continue in particularly hard-to-reach areas.

The human toll continues to rise following the floods and landslides that devastated several sectors located between Nepal and Tibet. According to the latest data released on Sunday by the authorities, 750 people have lost their lives and 3,044 are still being searched for.

The majority of the victims are in Nepal, where 734 deaths have been recorded. Nepalese authorities also report 2,498 missing persons, including more than 500 foreign tourists.

Particularly Challenging Search Efforts

In light of the extent of the damage, rescue teams are continuing their operations in several affected areas. The Nepalese army is particularly focusing its efforts on underground infrastructure where workers may still be trapped.

On Saturday, rescuers managed to reach a tunnel at one of the affected sites. An opening allowed air and a camera to be introduced to verify the situation inside.

Authorities estimate that over a hundred workers could still be alive in the tunnels of several hydroelectric projects. The Trishuli 3A and Trishuli 3B sites are among the main areas being inspected.

More than 900 employees and workers involved in these projects are still reported missing, making these sites one of the main challenges for rescue operations.

Tibet Also Hard Hit

The disaster has not been limited to Nepalese territory. In the Tibet Autonomous Region, in southwestern China, authorities report 16 deaths and 546 missing persons.

The presence of many foreign nationals among the missing adds an international dimension to the tragedy. According to information provided by Chinese state television CCTV, 261 foreigners are involved, including 104 Nepalese, 49 Indians, 33 Latvians, 18 Americans, and two French citizens.

These figures may still evolve as authorities manage to access isolated areas and establish the identities of those present in the affected sectors.

A Glacial Break Triggered the Catastrophe

Chinese authorities confirmed on Sunday the conclusions put forward by scientists regarding the origin of the flood.

According to the official Xinhua news agency, a glacier located on the southern slope of Lirung Peak in Nepal broke apart on August 26 at around 10:52 local time. This collapse is believed to have triggered an avalanche of ice and rocks, subsequently causing the devastating flood.

The succession of natural phenomena is thought to have caused a sudden rise in water levels and the flow of materials, leaving very little time for local populations and workers present in the affected areas to take shelter.

A Disaster with Uncertain Consequences

As rescue operations continue, attention is now focused on the thousands of people whose fate remains unknown.

The teams engaged on the ground must contend with damaged infrastructure, difficult access, and still dangerous areas. For both Nepalese and Chinese authorities, the coming hours will be crucial for finding any potential survivors and clarifying the true extent of the disaster.