Nepal flood death toll rises to 553

The death toll from a devastating flood in Nepal's Bhote Koshi River basin has climbed to 553, as authorities intensify search efforts for hundreds still missing.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) confirmed the grim toll in its latest bulletin. The Chitwan district has been the hardest hit, reporting 222 fatalities. The floodwaters, carrying mud and debris, swept victims downstream, with many bodies found in southern areas like Nawalparasi East, over 150 kilometers from the flood's origin.

Rescue teams are currently focused on locating 937 people reported missing. The NDRRMA's records indicate that at least 393 of the recovered bodies remain unidentified in regional morgues. Distraught families are visiting centers, such as the Institute of Health Sciences in Pokhara, to search for clues of their loved ones among displayed photographs.

Among the missing are 105 government officials, 228 local residents, and a group of 644 individuals whose whereabouts are unknown. This latter category includes 517 foreign citizens and 127 Nepalis residing abroad, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster.