Rescue operations continue along the Nepal-Tibet border after flash floods and landslides devastated communities across the Himalayan region.
At least 734 people have died and more than 2,400 remain missing in Nepal after devastating flash floods swept through the Himalayan region on Wednesday, according to local officials.
In neighbouring Tibet, the official death toll stands at 16, while another 546 people are reported missing, according to Chinese state media.
Rescue teams continue to search for survivors on both sides of the border, where floodwaters and landslides destroyed homes, roads and bridges and left communities isolated.
Nepal's tourism authorities say 320 foreign nationals are among those missing, adding another international dimension to the disaster. Many of those affected were travelling through the popular Himalayan border region.
The disaster was triggered by a powerful torrent of water, rock, mud and debris that surged through mountain valleys after a glacier collapse. The flooding swept through settlements along the Trishuli River and crossed into Tibet, causing widespread destruction.
Authorities have faced major challenges reaching affected communities because roads and bridges have been washed away. Helicopters have been used to evacuate survivors and deliver emergency supplies to areas cut off by the flooding.
Concerns over a newly formed lake
Rescue efforts were also complicated by fears that a lake formed by debris from the disaster could overflow and unleash another wave of flooding.
Chinese authorities had warned that the lake upstream from the Gyirong border crossing was filling rapidly and could breach its debris dam.
Officials now say water levels in the lake are receding, easing some of the immediate concerns.
Still, the disaster remains difficult to assess, particularly on the Tibetan side, where information is more tightly controlled by Chinese authorities. Independent access to the affected areas has also been limited.
China has deployed emergency personnel and equipment to the region, while Nepal continues to mobilize security forces and rescue teams.
With hundreds still missing and large areas difficult to reach, authorities say the search and relief operation remains ongoing.
