Nepal flash floods: Death toll rises to 903, over 4,200 still missing

Flash floods and landslides in Nepal have caused the death toll to climb to 903, according to Nepalese authorities, as rescue efforts persist. Approximately 4,247 individuals are still unaccounted for, while 10,451 have been rescued thus far. The floods and landslides, caused by an ice-rock avalanche on the Tibet border, have left thousands missing or unreachable.

Nearly 20,000 security personnel and 14 military helicopters have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. As of early Monday, 2,500 to 3,000 people may still be missing or uncontactable, with over 8,700 rescued by security forces. Indian nationals are also untraceable, with 149 to 180 evacuated and between 275 to 320 still missing or unreachable.

Among the missing are 14 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, including seven Indians and seven non-resident Indians. Twenty Telugu pilgrims, including Sastry and his family, safely reached Kathmandu from Tibet. The Andhra Pradesh government has evacuated 144 pilgrims from Saga County, Tibet, through the Kodari checkpoint. Authorities are coordinating with Nepalese counterparts to locate and rescue stranded Indians, particularly pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh.

Over 25 miles of roads and 40 suspension bridges have been destroyed, and heavy rainfall, landslides, and blocked valleys continue to impede rescue efforts. The Andhra Pradesh government remains in constant contact with Nepalese authorities for the evacuation, identification, and welfare of Indian nationals, especially pilgrims from the state.