Kathmandu, Aug 29: At least 586 people have died in massive floods and landslides along the Nepal-China border, while 2,478 remain missing as the disaster enters its fourth day.
According to the latest figures, 579 people have died in Nepal, and 1,924 are still missing. In China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, seven people have died, and 554 remain missing, local media reported.
A massive flood and landslides triggered by the collapse of a glacier in the Himalayan region on Wednesday caused extensive damage in Nepal, particularly in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. The disaster also affected the Gyirong border port in China’s Xizang region.
Floods and landslides have damaged roads, bridges, hydropower projects and other infrastructure.
Nepal and China continue search-and-rescue operations in the affected areas. Rescue work in the Gyirong area was temporarily suspended on Friday because of the risk of another flood from a lake formed by a landslide blockage. Operations resumed after aerial inspections and technical assessments indicated that the immediate risk could be managed.
A Chinese rescue team has reached the Gyirong border crossing and reported extensive destruction, with most structures at the border point destroyed. Rescuers are continuing to search for missing people.
The Red Cross said more than 90,000 people have been affected by the disaster in Nepal and China. Damage to roads and communication networks has made rescue and relief operations more difficult.
Among those missing in Nepal are 933 workers employed at hydropower projects. Pilgrims, tourists and nationals of several countries are also among the missing. Officials said 517 foreign nationals are missing in Nepal.
In China, 260 of those reported missing are foreign nationals, according to officials. Rescue teams continue searching in high-risk areas.
With rain continuing in the Himalayan region, rescue and search operations are underway amid concerns about further floods, landslides, and possible glacial lake outburst events.
People’s News Monitoring Service
Login to add a comment