Nepal-Tibet flood death toll passes 500 as rescue resumes

Two days after devastating flash floods struck the Nepal-China border, rescue efforts have resumed in the region. The death toll has surpassed 500, with Nepal reporting 538 fatalities, an increase from 390 the previous day. China has revised its count to between three and five deaths in Tibet. Over 1,400 people are still missing, including up to 517 foreigners from more than 30 countries. The International Red Cross estimates that 93,000 individuals have been directly impacted and are in dire need of humanitarian aid.

A lake formed by debris overflowed, threatening areas already affected by the disaster. This raised concerns, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation. However, the threat has since eased, though they remain vigilant. The World Health Organization warns of potential disease outbreaks due to displacement, overcrowding, and disrupted water, sanitation, and health services in the aftermath.

The disaster was triggered by a glacial collapse, sending rock and meltwater into rivers below. It created a barrier lake upstream, holding approximately 2 million cubic meters of water. This lake is expected to receive an additional 3 million cubic meters over the next three days, with peak flow anticipated around September 1. Chinese engineers are surveying the lake through aerial means and creating 3D models of the site. The lake spans about 150 meters in length and 40-50 meters in depth.

Continued rainfall in the area has further destabilized the surrounding soil and rock, exacerbating the situation. As of Friday afternoon, Chinese rescue teams had begun reaching the hardest-hit areas. Nepal's Foreign Ministry has stated they do not require foreign assistance for search-and-rescue operations, asserting that their security agencies are handling the response.

Despite offers of help from several countries, Nepal's authorities maintain that they are managing the situation. South Korea, which has lost nine nationals and has 10 others stranded, has pledged $1 million in humanitarian aid through international organizations. Other countries, including India, China, the United States, Britain, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, have also requested permission to deploy their own search-and-rescue teams.