Death toll in Nepal rises to 538, hundreds of tourists still missing

The death toll from flash floods, landslides and mountain torrents along the Nepal-China border has risen to 538, while around 1,300 people remain missing, including hundreds of tourists.

Nepal’s disaster authorities said on Friday that a devastating flash flood, triggered by glacial collapse and landslides, caused widespread destruction across the Himalayan region. The toll may rise further as emergency workers have yet to reach several remote areas.

Rescue operations are continuing despite severe weather conditions and difficult mountainous terrain. Authorities have rescued more than 100 tourists so far.

According to a tourism ministry source cited by Reuters, 117 tourists have been rescued, including 85 Indians, 16 Chinese nationals, nine South Koreans, two Italians and two Americans.

Many residents have been evacuated from affected areas, while seriously injured people are receiving treatment at hospitals in Kathmandu. Disrupted roads and communication links have made rescue and relief efforts in remote locations extremely difficult.

Satellite imagery has also shown a large temporary lake formed by landslide debris near the Nepal-China border. Authorities have issued warnings that a breach of the natural dam could trigger fresh flooding in lower-lying areas.