Deadly floods in Nepal and Tibet: at least 633 dead and 2,426 missing as rescuers redouble efforts

Rescuers are intensifying their efforts to find approximately 2,500 missing people and evacuate survivors stranded at the border between Nepal and China, three days after devastating flash floods and a landslide left a landscape of destruction.

The disaster, which struck a region popular with climbers and pilgrims, has so far claimed at least 633 lives. Official figures report 616 deaths in Nepal, according to police, with seven confirmed on the Chinese side. An additional seven bodies were recovered further downstream in India, though their origin has not been confirmed.

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The US Geological Survey (USGS) explained that this cataclysm, which occurred Wednesday, had been caused by the collapse of a glacier, triggering a vast flow of icy debris that ravaged everything in its path.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) explained that the cataclysm, which occurred Wednesday, was caused by the collapse of a glacier. This event triggered a vast flow of icy debris that devastated everything in its path. The Red Cross estimates that up to 93,000 people may have been affected by this catastrophe.

As the chances of finding survivors diminish, rescue teams are racing against time to reach affected areas. The extensive damage is complicating the delivery of food and water. Adding to the peril, the deluge of ice and mud has created immense lakes that risk overflowing or bursting, posing a direct threat to rescue operations. On Friday, rescue efforts on both the Nepalese and Chinese sides were disrupted by alerts related to potential mudflows, although these were later lifted.

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Up to 93,000 people could have been affected by this catastrophe.