New Delhi: The death toll from the devastating floods that hit the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26 has risen to 682, while nearly 3,000 people remain missing, according to the information provided.
A video showing the apparent collapse of a section of a glacier in Tibet has emerged three days after the disaster. The footage, reportedly recorded from a high altitude by a tour guide group, shows an approximately 800-metre-long section of ice and rock breaking away and falling into a valley.
The glacier collapse sent huge quantities of debris and water downstream, triggering landslides and sudden flooding in areas along the Nepal-Tibet border. Rescue and relief operations remain underway in both Nepal and China.
675 killed in Nepal, 7 in Tibet
According to the latest figures cited, 675 people have died in Nepal, while seven deaths have been confirmed in Tibet. Around 3,000 people are still missing.
The figures provided in the report regarding missing Indian nationals are inconsistent, citing both 287 and 187 Indians among those missing. It also states that around 400 Indian nationals remain stranded in Tibet.
Nepal may need billions for reconstruction
The scale of destruction could mean that Nepal requires billions of dollars for reconstruction and rehabilitation, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said in Kathmandu on Saturday.
Khanal said the government would first conduct a detailed assessment of the damage to lives, property and infrastructure before preparing a reconstruction plan.
He added that the scale of the devastation was significant and Nepal would require international assistance for the reconstruction effort.
