More than 3,000 now missing as Nepal-Tibet flood rescue gets tougher on fifth day, Malaysia among nations rallying to help

More than 3,000 individuals are now missing after a catastrophic flood struck the Nepal-Tibet border region, with rescue efforts intensifying on the fifth day. The disaster, triggered by a glacial collapse on Wednesday, has claimed at least 750 lives, with reports suggesting bodies may have washed as far away as India. Nepali army troops and engineers are working tirelessly to rescue workers trapped in a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydroelectric site, after successfully inserting a pipe into the passage.

Meanwhile, heavy rain and rising river waters have hampered rescue efforts, filling excavation areas with water before conditions allowed teams to resume operations.

China's disaster authorities reported that a glacier on the southern slope of Lirung Peak in Nepal fractured, causing an ice-rock avalanche that triggered the devastating mudslide. The torrent traveled over 20 kilometers before crashing into Gyirong Port. UN climate chief Simon Steil described the sudden glacial collapse and flash flood as a "devastating reminder of how fragile these mountain environments can be."

Overnight rain and rising river waters have further hampered rescue efforts, with Nepal's disaster authority listing 933 hydropower workers among the missing. The United Nations released US$2.5 million in emergency funding, and various countries have pledged humanitarian aid, including the United States and Canada with US$3.6 million each, the United Kingdom with US$6.8 million, the European Union with US$2.3 million, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies with over US$1 million.

Malaysia has committed to sending search and rescue specialists, as well as contributing US$1 million to Nepal's recovery efforts. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal emphasized the need for specialized assistance, including heavy-lift drones and technology to locate trapped individuals, as Nepal's economy is already under pressure with limited resources to respond to such a large-scale disaster.