Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 29: Rescue operations have resumed in the Nepal-Tibet border region after a temporary halt over fears of another glacial flood. The death toll from the disaster has risen to 633, while nearly 3,000 people remain missing on both sides of the border.
Nepal Police said on Saturday that 626 people had died in the country. Nepal’s disaster authority reported 2,426 people missing. Notably, this includes 517 foreigners.
In Tibet, Chinese authorities have reported at least seven deaths and 554 missing people.
Nepal has sought specialist support from India and China to strengthen rescue operations. Teams with expertise in tunnel rescue are expected to join the efforts.
The disaster began on Wednesday after part of a glacier collapsed in the Himalayas at an altitude of around 5,200 metres. The collapse triggered a massive flow of rock, ice and debris into the Lende river. The surge then moved into Nepal’s Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts.
The Trishuli River rose by around 9 meters in just 30 minutes, causing widespread destruction.
A lake formed near the collapse site after debris blocked the river. Rescue work was briefly stopped as authorities assessed the risk of another flood. Operations have since resumed after the immediate risk was considered manageable.
However, scientists have wanted the lake’s debris barriers to remain unstable. Authorities are continuing to monitor the lake and surrounding areas. International assistance has also arrived from India, the UN, the Red Cross Federation, Australia, South Korea, and the US.
