Rescuers dig into tunnel with hopes to rescue dozens as missing toll from Nepal, China flood nears 3,000

Rescuers in Nepal and China are working to locate thousands of people missing after a deadly flood swept through the Himalayan region. The disaster, caused by a glacial collapse at the Nepal-Tibet border according to the US Geological Survey, has claimed at least 682 lives, with figures from both countries putting the number of missing close to 3,000. Some dead may have been swept downstream as far as India.

In a breakthrough, the Nepali army inserted a pipe into a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydroelectric site, where over 100 workers are believed to be trapped. Home Minister Sudan Gurung stated that air is being sent through the small opening and excavation work will begin, with a rescue team to be sent inside. Rescue efforts are focused on the Trishuli 3A and 3B sites.

Among those affected is an Australian woman, Cara Severino, who was found safe after being missing following the floods. She has spoken with her family and Australian officials, who are working to help those affected by the disaster.

Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, Free Malaysia Today, The Guardian Australia, The Guardian, Channel News Asia — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.