Nepal flash flood deaths surpass 600, with around 3,000 still missing

Flash floods in Nepal have claimed over 800 lives, with around 3,000 people still missing as rescue operations continue into their fourth day. Poor weather and challenging terrain have impeded aerial search efforts. In Nuwakot, a district devastated by the floods, helicopters have resumed search operations after temporarily being grounded by bad weather.

Both Nepali and Chinese authorities have reported fatalities and missing persons on their respective sides of the border. Over 3,700 people have been rescued from the disaster zone so far. Hundreds of the missing are foreign workers and pilgrims. Nepal's disaster agency issued a warning about rising flood waters in the Bhotekoshi River, urging caution as search, rescue, and relief operations continue.

The U.S. State Department has provided more than $3.6 million in humanitarian aid, including emergency food assistance for up to 10,000 households. Nepal's government believes more than 100 workers may still be alive and trapped inside tunnels at hydropower projects, primarily at Trishuli 3A and 3B sites. Rescuers have managed to reach some people using helicopter baskets and ropes, but face difficulties due to 4 to 5 feet of mud and limited landing sites.

Specialized Indian and Chinese rescue teams have joined the effort to free trapped workers, with Nepalese expert mountain rescue teams also contributing to the search. Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has stated that locating the missing is currently the nation's top priority, seeking specialized support from neighboring countries for tunnel rescue, survivor-detection technology, forensic analysis, and morgue refrigerators.