Nepal-China Flood Death Toll Surpasses 800, Over 3,000 Still Missing

More than 800 people have died and over 3,000 remain missing following devastating floods and landslides along the Nepal-China border, as rescue teams race against time to find survivors.

The disaster struck the Gyirong border area of China’s Tibet region and Nepal’s Rasuwa district in the Himalayan region on Wednesday, sending a massive torrent of ice, rocks, mud and debris through communities on both sides of the border.

The floodwaters swept away roads and bridges and caused widespread destruction, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as search operations continue.

The United States Geological Survey said the disaster was triggered by a massive glacier collapse and landslide, while Nepalese authorities linked the collapse to flash floods on the Nepalese side of the Himalayas.

More than 3,000 people are still unaccounted for on both sides of the border, according to authorities.

Chinese authorities said at least 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries were among those reported missing.

The missing foreigners include 104 Nepalis, 49 Indians and 33 Latvians. Eighteen Americans, 15 Britons, six Canadians, six Australians and three Russians were also reported missing, alongside nationals of Malaysia and Germany.

The scale of the disaster has prompted an international response, with countries and organisations sending assistance to Nepal as rescue efforts intensify.

The United Kingdom has pledged £5 million in support for the relief and rescue operations.

Rescue teams are also working to reach people believed to be trapped inside a tunnel in the affected area.

Nepalese authorities said clearing the tunnel entrance had become a priority, with teams removing rubble and debris to gain access.

The office of Nepal’s Prime Minister said late Saturday that rescue personnel were exploring every possible means of locating citizens still missing.

“To expedite the digging of the tunnel entrance and the search operations, a joint team of 82 personnel – including 62 from the Nepali Army and 20 from the Armed Police Force Nepal and Nepal Police – has been continuously deployed since last night,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

It said adverse weather conditions had continued to hamper the rescue effort.

Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, Amrit Rai, said about 19,000 security personnel and 16 helicopters had been deployed for search and rescue operations.

On the Chinese side, 2,141 rescuers have been sent to the border area, including more than 500 personnel working in the worst-hit locations.

China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, reported earlier that rescue operations had been temporarily suspended because of fears of further flooding from a newly formed lake.

Operations resumed after the lake began discharging naturally and was described as having been “essentially drained.”

The disaster has renewed concerns over the growing impact of climate-related hazards in the Himalayan region.

Nepal is particularly vulnerable to climate disasters, with rising temperatures contributing to the rapid melting of glaciers and destabilising mountain slopes.

Experts have warned that the combination of melting ice, unstable terrain and extreme weather could increase the risk of floods, landslides and other disasters across the Himalayas.

With thousands still missing, rescue authorities on both sides of the border are continuing to search through damaged communities, tunnels and debris in the hope of finding survivors.