Nepal flood death toll rises to 579, nearly 2,000 still missing: disaster authority

Nepal's disaster authority reported on Friday that the death toll from devastating floods had risen to 579, with nearly 2,000 people still missing. The missing include 517 foreigners and 933 workers on hydropower projects in the rivers affected by the flood. Rescue teams utilized heavy machinery to clear mud and debris in the affected Nepalese towns, as hopes of finding survivors dwindled.

The flood devastated villages and valleys, destroying infrastructure along a route connecting Kathmandu and Lhasa in Tibet, a popular trekking and pilgrimage destination. Helicopters were used for search and rescue operations, while emergency supplies were dropped to thousands stranded in towns and valleys. Around 320 Indian nationals are reported missing, with at least 400 stranded on the Chinese side and 96 having crossed into Nepal.

Authorities warned of a potential disaster triggered by a lake formed by debris blocking the Bhotekoshi River, which could breach by September 1. Chinese authorities have deployed an engineering team to assess the situation. Nepali Army teams are working to rescue people trapped in a hydropower tunnel, with India offering to send a specialized rescue team.