Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises to 616; Seven Dead in Tibet

The death toll from a destructive flood in Nepal's Bhote Koshi river basin has climbed to 616, according to the latest figures from Nepal's police. The disaster, which struck on Wednesday, also resulted in seven fatalities in the Tibetan county of Gyriong, southwest China. Rescue teams are continuing their efforts to find the missing amidst the widespread devastation.

Authorities have recovered more bodies in several districts, including Chitwan, Nawalparasi East, Gorkha, and Dhading. Many of the recovered victims were found kilometers downstream from the flood's origin. The powerful torrent swept away entire villages and everything in its path, leaving a trail of destruction.

Chinese state media confirmed the increased death toll on the Tibetan side and revised the number of missing persons to 554. Search operations are facing significant challenges. In Nepal, the floodwaters have solidified into mud, making access to affected areas difficult. Meanwhile, on the Tibetan side, efforts are underway near the Gyirong border crossing, where Chinese rescue teams recently gained access after days of being hampered by destroyed roads, landslides, and communication outages.

Combined figures from both Nepal and Tibet indicate at least 623 deaths and 2,478 people unaccounted for. The rescue efforts faced a temporary halt due to the risk of a new dam formed by flood debris in Tibetan territory collapsing. Chinese experts have since stated that the water is now flowing naturally, reducing the immediate risk of a sudden dam rupture, though the potential for further landslides remains a concern.