Nepal-China floods: Death toll climbs amid new flood risk
The death toll from the Himalayan flash flood has climbed to 469, with more than 1,000 still missing. Meanwhile, authorities in China warn an overflowing lake formed by debris could trigger a second wave of flooding.
Two days after flash floods struck the Nepal-China border, the death toll has climbed to 579, up from 390 the previous day. Chinese authorities revised their initial death count from three to five in Tibet. Over 2,000 people remain missing, including more than 500 foreigners from around 30 countries. The International Red Cross estimates that 93,000 individuals have been directly affected and in need of urgent humanitarian aid.
Authorities warned of potential secondary flood risks following the initial disaster, which was triggered by a glacial collapse. A barrier lake formed by debris upstream now holds roughly 2 million cubic meters of water and is expected to receive an additional 3 million cubic meters over the next three days. Rescue efforts have resumed, with Chinese and Nepali teams working to survey the lake and build drainage channels.
Despite offers of assistance, Nepal's Foreign Ministry stated that it does not require foreign aid for search-and-rescue operations, as its security agencies are managing the response.
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