Death toll in Nepal floods exceeds 1,000, rescuers reach distant locations

Nepal’s disaster management authorities said the dead toll from severe floods and landslides in the country has grown to 1,050 with over 4,000 people still missing including 583 foreign nationals.

Rescue crews are still conducting search operations in remote and seriously hit areas utilising helicopters and heavy machinery and excavators to reach anyone stranded by the tragedy.

At least 639 people were stuck at damaged hydropower installations, and about 300 workers were believed stranded inside tunnels, Nepal’s Disaster Management Authority said.

Emergency crews are rushing to reach those still blocked off by floodwaters, landslides and debris, with more than 11,000 people rescued so far.

The floods have created around 2.2 million tonnes of debris, including rubble from buildings, rocks and sludge, according to preliminary estimates by the United Nations Development Program.

Rescue crews are concentrating on isolated settlements and damaged hydropower plants where people are still believed to be trapped, while relief and recovery activities are continuing.