Kathmandu, Aug 30: The search for people missing after last week’s devastating floods and landslides along the Nepal-China border has entered its fifth day, with the death toll across the two countries reaching 691.
Official figures compiled from both sides show that another 3,044 people remain unaccounted for as rescue teams continue to search affected areas.
On the Chinese side, state media Xinhua reported that 16 people had died and 546 were still missing in Kyirong County of Shigatse following massive landslides that swept through the area with mud and debris. Officials said the disaster also inflicted major damage on the Kyirong border port, a vital point for Nepal-China trade.
Nepal has recorded the bulk of the casualties. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said 675 bodies had been recovered so far, while 2,428 people remained missing.
Among those missing in China are 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries, according to the available figures.
In Nepal, a significant number of those still missing are workers and staff associated with hydropower projects. The disaster authority said 933 people remained out of contact, while 589 foreign nationals were also listed as missing on the Nepali side.
Despite the scale of the disaster, rescue teams have managed to bring 7,514 people to safety in Nepal. Helicopters are continuing to ferry relief supplies, including clothes, rice, biscuits and instant noodles, to badly affected communities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and surrounding areas.
Those rescued are being transferred to safer locations and medical camps along the Trishuli corridor. Security personnel and rescue teams are also moving vulnerable people, particularly elderly residents and young children, to temporary shelters where they can receive medical attention.
With hundreds still missing, authorities in both countries have stepped up search operations. Rescue teams remain deployed across the affected areas, while relief efforts continue alongside the search for survivors.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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