Nepal flood death toll rises to 626, thousands still missing
Search efforts enter fourth day after catastrophic Himalayan floods triggered by glacier collapse
The death toll from catastrophic flooding in Nepal has risen to 626, authorities said Saturday, as rescuers continued searching for more than 2,400 people still missing.
Another seven people have been confirmed dead across the border in Tibet, bringing the overall toll from Wednesday's disaster to at least 633. Nearly 3,000 people remain unaccounted for across Nepal and China.
The floods were triggered by a glacier collapse that sent a torrent of water, ice, mud and debris through mountain river valleys along the Nepal-Tibet border, sweeping away homes, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities.
More than 4,400 people have been rescued in Nepal, but bad weather and the risk of further flooding have hampered operations. Authorities temporarily suspended some search efforts Saturday as they monitored lakes formed by debris from the disaster.
Hundreds of foreign nationals are among those still missing, including tourists and pilgrims traveling toward Mount Kailash in Tibet. Rescue teams are also trying to reach workers trapped or missing at hydropower projects along the Trishuli valley.
Nepal has said it does not require additional international search-and-rescue personnel but has requested specialized technical assistance, including help reaching flooded tunnels, restoring communications and identifying victims. The government estimates reconstruction could cost between $4 billion and $5 billion.