Nepal-Tibet flash floods: Death count rises 389, nearly 1,500 still missing

The death count from the Nepal-Tibet flash floods has gone up to 389 on Thursday, including 359 in Nepal and three in neighbouring Tibet, as the rescue operation is still underway to trace hundreds still missing, including 290 Indian nationals. The flash flood was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche which was caused by a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border that sent a torrent of water, mud and debris downstream through central Nepal on Wednesday, devastating towns and villages, washing away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges, and damaging hydropower projects.

The MEA said 84 Indian nationals had been rescued, including



63 workers employed at the under-construction Trishuli-I run-of-river hydroelectric project and 21 from Tamil Nadu. Around 200 Indian nationals on the Tibet side have sought assistance for evacuation, the MEA said.

Giving more details, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, after a high-level meeting attended virtually by India's envoys in Kathmandu and Beijing, said that urgent efforts were underway to ascertain the status and well-being of Indians in the flood-affected areas. He further stated that the ministry was coordinating with the Nepalese side, other ministries, state governments, tour operators and relevant authorities.