Jakarta, ThedailyID — The death toll from flash floods and landslides along the Nepal-China border has risen to 919 people, while 4,793 others remain missing following the disaster last week.
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported 903 deaths and 4,247 missing people in the country as of Monday (31/08). Search teams continue to look for victims across affected areas.
Meanwhile, Chinese state media reported 16 deaths and 546 missing people in Tibet. Combined, the figures bring the reported toll across Nepal and China to 919 deaths and 4,793 missing people, according to AFP.
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh, India, have also recovered 17 bodies believed to be victims of the disaster.
The floods and landslides struck the Nepal-China border on August 26 after a mass of glacier ice and material from the Himalayas collapsed.
A glacier tongue measuring around 5,200 meters, along with rocks from the mountains, caused a powerful disturbance. The debris blocked the Lhender Khola River and created a temporary natural dam.
As water continued to build behind the dam, it eventually broke and unleashed a massive flood that swept through Tibet, China, and northern and central parts of Nepal.
Nepalese authorities said they have deployed all available resources to search for victims and people who may have been swept away by the floodwaters.
Several countries have offered assistance, including the deployment of rescue teams. Nepal, however, declined the offers, saying its security agencies remain capable of conducting search and rescue operations.
Instead, the Nepalese government said it needs cash and humanitarian assistance to support people affected by the disaster.
