Kathmandu, Aug 30 (V7N)- The death toll from the devastating natural disaster in Nepal and Tibet has risen to 691, while more than 3,000 people remain missing. Rescue and search operations are continuing in several affected areas.
According to the latest information available on Sunday (August 30) morning, the number of casualties could rise further as rescuers continue searching through remote and difficult-to-reach areas.
Meanwhile, the water level of the Bhote-Koshi River in Nepal is continuing to rise. The country’s National Disaster Management Agency has warned residents in surrounding areas of a possible flood threat.
In Nepal, 675 bodies have so far been recovered from areas affected by avalanches and landslides. Most of the victims have yet to be identified. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Balendra Shah has ordered that DNA samples be preserved before the bodies are cremated to help establish the identities of the victims.
Despite difficult weather conditions, rescue teams have recovered around 4,500 people alive, including approximately 250 foreign tourists.
The Nepalese government has also sought international assistance to rescue people believed to be trapped inside tunnels at a hydroelectric power station.
On the other side of the border, the death toll in Tibet has risen to 16, while more than 550 people remain missing.
Heavy rainfall, floods, avalanches and landslides over the past several days have caused widespread destruction across the Himalayan foothills. Floodwaters carrying mud, rocks and debris have damaged homes, roads and other communication infrastructure along the Nepal-China border.
Rescue operations are facing additional challenges because of adverse weather, damaged infrastructure and the remoteness of several affected mountainous areas.
END/SMA/AJ
