Kathmandu, Aug 28 (V7N)- The death toll from devastating flash floods and landslides in Nepal has risen to at least 579, according to the country's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
Authorities warned that the death toll could increase further as search and rescue operations continue across the worst-hit areas.
Rescue teams have so far evacuated around 4,000 people who became trapped by floodwaters and landslides. Search operations are continuing in remote and affected areas as rescuers look for people who remain missing.
The disaster has caused widespread destruction across Nepal in recent days. Areas along the Nepal-China border have been particularly badly affected, with powerful floodwaters carrying mud, rocks and debris damaging homes, roads and other communication infrastructure.
Rescue efforts in mountainous and remote areas have been especially difficult because of damaged roads and challenging terrain.
Operations were temporarily disrupted amid fears of further flooding in some areas. However, authorities in Nepal and China have continued monitoring the situation and resumed search operations for those still missing.
A large number of people remain unaccounted for. Among the missing are local residents as well as tourists and pilgrims from different countries.
With search and rescue operations still underway, authorities fear that the number of casualties could rise further.
END/SMA/AJ
