Kathmandu, Aug 28: The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has climbed to 579, while rescue agencies continued search operations for nearly 2,000 people still reported missing, officials said on Friday.More than 4,500 people have been rescued from the affected areas since the disaster struck. The emergency has also affected a large number of foreign nationals, with Indian citizens forming the biggest group among those reported missing.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 183 Indian tourists were initially listed as missing. While 85 have since been rescued, 98 remain unaccounted for.Citizens of more than 30 countries are also believed to be among the missing, including nationals of the US, Ukraine, Malaysia, Australia and the UK.Cause of sudden flooding under investigation The unusually destructive nature of the flooding has prompted authorities and scientists to investigate its possible cause.
The flooding affected the Bhotekoshi river system in Rasuwa district, where reports indicated that there had been no significant rainfall at the time of the incident.Preliminary assessments suggest that the event could have originated around the Lhende Khola, a high-altitude river that flows from the Tibetan region into Nepal.
Scientists are examining whether an ice avalanche, rockfall and movement of frozen mountain soil may have blocked the river temporarily. A sudden release of water following such a blockage could have generated a powerful flow of water, rocks and debris towards downstream settlements.
Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has also examined satellite imagery provided by China. Officials said the findings currently point towards a combination of mountain-related events, although a comprehensive scientific assessment is yet to be completed.
Authorities have warned people in vulnerable locations to remain cautious as the possibility of additional flooding has not been completely ruled out.
Nepal opens door to limited foreign expertise Nepal has meanwhile agreed to seek specialised assistance from foreign experts after initially saying that its own agencies could manage the rescue effort.
The decision follows concerns from countries whose citizens remain missing.Foreign specialists are expected to provide assistance in areas such as tunnel rescue, DNA identification and forensic examinations, where specialised expertise may be required.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah said Nepal was coordinating with India, China and international partners to secure necessary relief supplies and other assistance.Focus remains on rescue operations Search teams are continuing efforts to locate missing people and assess damage to homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
The disaster has also renewed attention on the growing risks faced by communities in the Himalayan region, where glaciers, unstable slopes, frozen ground and sudden changes in river conditions can create potentially dangerous flooding events.
While the immediate focus remains on saving lives and assisting survivors, authorities are expected to conduct a detailed technical investigation once emergency operations are brought under control.
