Nepal: Death toll reaches 475, China evacuates over 1000 people

In Nepal, the death toll from Wednesday’s devastating Bhotekoshi flood has reached 475, according to police, while hundreds of people remain missing as search teams scour the river system and downstream areas for survivors and bodies.India was racing to trace 290 uncontactable nationals as rescue teams battled destroyed roads, washed-away bridges and mountains of mud and debris. Nepal Police said 796 people, including 50 foreigners, had been rescued from the affected areas by helicopters, while another 796 had been evacuated by land. The police did not specify the nationalities of the foreigners. According to Nepal Police, bodies have so far been recovered in eight districts, with the highest numbers in Chitwan (178) and Nawalparasi East (110). Identification of bodies has begun in Chitwan, while search operations are being intensified in Rasuwa.
Triggered by an ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border, the floods unleashed a torrent of water, mud and debris through central Nepal, tearing through towns and villages and sweeping away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges. Entire settlements in Rasuwa and Nuwakot were left buried under thick layers of mud and wreckage, while hydropower projects were also damaged as the flood surged downstream through the Bhote Koshi river system.
Meanwhile, all affected residents and stranded tourists have been evacuated to safety following a landslide in Gyirong County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. According to local officials, 499 villagers and construction workers affected by the landslide have been relocated to safe areas. A total of 555 tourists have also been rescued and taken to safety. Officials said no tourists remain stranded. The landslide occurred Wednesday morning at Gyirong Port in Gyirong County, Xizang. Three people have died and 558 remain missing, while two local villagers have been rescued. Chinese authorities said search and rescue operations, relief distribution and arrangements for displaced residents are continuing in the affected areas.