Nepal landslide disaster death toll rises to 1,056

11:06

By: Azzat Manal

Nepal landslide disaster death toll rises to 1,056

The death toll from a devastating natural disaster in northern Nepal has risen to 1,056, according to figures released by Nepalese police and reported by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Authorities said the latest count was recorded at 2 p.m. local time on September 1, as search and rescue operations continued in areas affected by massive flooding, mud and debris.

More than 4,000 people have reportedly been rescued so far, while around 4,500 others remain missing. Among those listed as missing are 471 foreign nationals, highlighting the international dimension of the disaster and the difficulties facing rescue teams operating in severely affected areas.

The disaster struck northern Nepal on August 26 after a large volume of water, mud and rocks swept through the region. Preliminary assessments indicate that the flooding may have been triggered by a glacial event near the border with China, approximately 20 kilometers northeast of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing.

The resulting torrent reportedly traveled more than 70 kilometers along the river system, carrying huge quantities of sediment and debris. Nearby settlements were severely affected, with buildings and infrastructure damaged or destroyed and large areas covered by mud.

Rescue teams have been working to locate survivors and determine the fate of thousands of people who remain unaccounted for. Difficult terrain, damaged infrastructure and the scale of the affected area have complicated efforts to reach some communities.

Russia has also been monitoring the situation because of the number of Russian nationals believed to have been in the affected region. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that 10 Russian citizens had been evacuated, while efforts were continuing to locate another 12.

The disaster has raised renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Himalayan communities to sudden floods, landslides and other hazards associated with the region's mountainous environment. The Himalayas are particularly sensitive to changes in glaciers, snow cover and extreme weather conditions, which can contribute to sudden and destructive flooding.

Authorities are expected to continue search operations while assessing damage to roads, settlements and other critical infrastructure. The large number of missing people means that the final human toll could change as rescue teams gain access to isolated areas and authorities identify victims.

The tragedy underscores the challenges faced by Nepal in responding to large-scale natural disasters in remote mountainous regions, where difficult geography and limited access can significantly slow emergency operations.