The United States has announced more than $3.6 million in humanitarian assistance for Nepal as a catastrophic flood and debris flow along the Nepal-China border leaves hundreds dead and nearly 3,000 people missing. Rescue teams are continuing searches for survivors, including workers believed to be trapped inside hydropower tunnels.

The United States has pledged more than $3.6 million in humanitarian assistance to Nepal following a devastating flood and debris-flow disaster that struck the Himalayan region along the Nepal-China border.

The aid package includes up to three months of emergency food assistance for as many as 10,000 flood-affected households, according to the US State Department.

The disaster has triggered a massive search-and-rescue operation in Nepal and Tibet. Combined figures from the two sides put the death toll at about 691, while the number of missing people has risen to more than 3,000.

The catastrophe began on August 26 after a glacial collapse in the Himalayan region unleashed a fast-moving torrent of water, ice, mud and debris through river valleys.

US Announces Emergency Aid

The United States said its assistance would provide immediate humanitarian support to people affected by the disaster.

The $3.6 million-plus package includes emergency food assistance intended to support up to 10,000 affected households for as long as three months.

The announcement comes as Nepal faces a major humanitarian emergency, with entire settlements damaged or destroyed and thousands of people still unaccounted for.

The US State Department also said American diplomatic missions in Nepal and China were working to assist US citizens and support disaster-relief efforts.

Thousands Still Missing

Rescue teams in Nepal and China continued searching through mud, debris and damaged infrastructure on Saturday and Sunday.

The latest combined figures indicate that more than 3,000 people remain missing across Nepal and China's Tibet region. Nepal has recorded the larger share of the casualties, while China has also reported deaths and hundreds of missing people.

Nepal's authorities have reported hundreds of deaths and thousands of missing people, while more than 3,700 people had been rescued in the country according to reports citing officials.

Some missing people may have been swept downstream by the powerful floodwaters, complicating the search across remote valleys and river systems.

Tunnel Rescue Operation

One of the most urgent rescue efforts is focused on workers believed to be trapped inside hydropower tunnels.

At the Trishuli 3A hydropower site, rescuers managed to insert a pipe through an opening into a tunnel where workers were believed to be trapped.

The pipe is being used to send air into the tunnel while teams prepare for excavation and further rescue operations.

Other hydropower sites, including the Trishuli 3B area, have also become major focuses of the search because workers may still be trapped inside tunnels filled with mud and debris.

The difficult terrain, unstable slopes and continuing water-related hazards are making rescue operations particularly challenging.

Glacial Collapse Triggered Flood

The US Geological Survey (USGS) says the disaster was likely triggered by a glacial collapse in Langtang National Park in Nepal, close to the Chinese border.

According to the USGS, the resulting debris flow and flood travelled approximately 100 kilometres, affecting populated areas downstream along the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi river systems, as well as the Gyirong area in China.

USGS analysis indicates that seismic waves generated by the event were equivalent to an earthquake of approximately magnitude 5.2.

The collapse involved ice, rock and other debris moving rapidly downslope. The material picked up additional water and debris as it entered existing river channels, producing a powerful and destructive flood.

Climate Risk Under Focus

The disaster has renewed concerns over the growing risks faced by communities living in the Himalayan region.

Scientists and climate experts have warned that rising temperatures are contributing to changes in glacier stability and increasing the potential for dangerous high-altitude events.

However, the USGS describes its current assessment as preliminary and subject to revision. The exact chain of events and contributing factors will continue to be studied as investigators analyse satellite imagery, seismic information and field data.

The event also highlights the difficulty of detecting sudden glacial collapses in remote mountainous terrain.

Families Await Missing

For families of those still missing, the rescue operation has become an agonising wait for information.

Entire settlements near affected rivers have suffered extensive destruction, leaving survivors searching through mud and debris for belongings and relatives.

At rescue centres in Nepal, families have gathered around lists of rescued and missing people while authorities continue identification and recovery operations.

The scale of destruction has also created major challenges in identifying recovered bodies. In some cases, authorities have had to consider DNA collection because of the condition of remains.

India, China Join Efforts

Nepal has received international assistance as it expands rescue and relief operations.

India and China have deployed teams and assistance, while other countries have also offered humanitarian support. Nepal has indicated that international technical assistance will be particularly important for specialised rescue work, infrastructure restoration and identification of victims.

China has separately reported deaths and hundreds of missing people in Tibet. Reuters reported that 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries were among those reported missing on the Chinese side, including Indian, Nepali, American and British nationals.

The disaster has therefore developed into a major cross-border humanitarian emergency involving Nepal, China and citizens of several other countries.

What Happens Next

Search-and-rescue teams are expected to continue working in the affected valleys, riverbanks and hydropower facilities as weather and terrain conditions allow.

The immediate priorities remain finding survivors, locating missing people, recovering bodies, providing food and shelter and restoring access to damaged communities.

The tunnel rescue operations could become particularly significant if workers are confirmed alive inside the affected hydropower facilities.

At the same time, authorities will need to monitor rivers, unstable slopes and high-altitude areas for additional hazards that could complicate rescue operations.

India has stepped up its relief and rescue assistance to Nepal as the Himalayan country continues to deal with the devastating aftermath of floods and debris flows.

The fourth Indian relief flight carrying 11 tonnes of assistance landed in Nepal on Sunday, with the consignment including specialised personnel and equipment for search-and-rescue operations, forensic experts for DNA analysis and essential relief supplies.

The latest assistance is part of India's ongoing effort to support Nepal's emergency response as rescue teams continue searching for people missing after the disaster.

Fourth Relief Flight Lands

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the fourth relief flight had arrived in Nepal and that the relief material had been handed over to the authorities.

The consignment includes a tunnel technical contingent and specialised equipment to assist search-and-rescue operations.

It also includes a team of forensic experts who will support DNA analysis and identification efforts.

The relief supplies include blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits for people affected by the disaster.

India has been providing assistance as Nepal deals with extensive destruction in areas hit by powerful floodwaters and debris.

Rescue Teams Join Effort

The specialised tunnel team is expected to support rescue operations at hydropower facilities where workers may remain trapped.

The disaster damaged infrastructure across affected areas, making conventional rescue operations difficult.

The presence of technical personnel and specialised equipment is intended to strengthen Nepal's capacity to search inside damaged tunnels and other difficult locations.

The forensic team will meanwhile assist authorities in identifying recovered victims through DNA analysis.

This could become particularly important because of the scale of the disaster and the condition of recovered remains.

Four Indians Rescued

The Ministry of External Affairs also confirmed the rescue of four Indian nationals from a hydropower project in Nepal's Rasuwa district on Saturday.

The rescued Indians were identified as Ripu Kumar, Chaneshwar Narzary, Kripa Shankar and Mohammed Minhajuddin.

Their rescue brings the number of Indian nationals rescued so far to 88, according to the latest MEA update.

However, 287 Indian nationals remain missing, while another 128 people of Indian origin are still reported missing.

Indian authorities continue to coordinate with Nepalese officials and local agencies to trace those who remain unaccounted for.

More Indians Cross Into Nepal

The MEA also reported that 120 Indian nationals crossed into Nepal from China on Saturday.

The movement comes as authorities continue efforts to assist people affected or stranded by the disaster.

Indian diplomatic and relief teams are working with Nepalese authorities to facilitate rescue, identification and humanitarian assistance.

The continuing movement of people across the border adds to the logistical challenge facing authorities in the affected region.

Thousands Remain Missing

The Indian relief operation comes as rescue teams in Nepal and China continue searching for thousands of missing people.

The disaster unleashed a powerful surge of water and debris through Himalayan valleys, destroying or severely damaging settlements and infrastructure.

Combined figures from the two countries have put the number of missing people at close to 3,000, while hundreds of bodies have been recovered.

Some victims may have been carried downstream by the powerful floodwaters, making the search increasingly difficult.

Rescue teams are working in difficult terrain while dealing with damaged roads, unstable slopes and debris-filled waterways.

Tunnel Rescue Underway

One of the most urgent rescue operations is taking place at the Trishuli 3A hydroelectric project.

The Nepali army managed to insert a pipe into a tunnel where workers are believed to be trapped.

Authorities have started sending air through the opening while preparing for excavation and a possible rescue operation.

The operation is technically challenging because large amounts of mud and debris have entered affected areas.

Specialised assistance from India could help strengthen efforts at hydropower sites where conventional rescue equipment may not be sufficient.

India Expands Support

The fourth relief flight demonstrates India's continued involvement in Nepal's emergency response.

Unlike a consignment focused only on food and basic supplies, the latest flight combines technical rescue capabilities, forensic expertise and humanitarian material.

The inclusion of DNA specialists is particularly significant as Nepal works to identify victims and provide information to families searching for missing relatives.

India's assistance also reflects the close geographical and humanitarian links between the two neighbouring countries.

What Happens Next

Search-and-rescue operations are expected to continue across the worst-affected parts of Nepal as authorities try to locate missing people and reach survivors.

The immediate priorities include rescuing anyone trapped in hydropower tunnels, identifying recovered victims, providing essential supplies and restoring access to affected communities.

Indian technical teams are expected to support specialised rescue and identification operations while humanitarian supplies are distributed to affected people.

Authorities will also continue coordinating information on missing Indian nationals and people of Indian origin.

The scale of the disaster means rescue and recovery operations could continue for an extended period.

Nepal has sought specialised technical assistance from foreign countries following the devastating floods along its Himalayan border with China, while maintaining that its own teams are capable of handling general search-and-rescue operations.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal told Reuters that Nepal needs international expertise for highly specialised tasks, including rescuing people trapped inside tunnels, restoring damaged transport and communication links, identifying bodies and conducting DNA testing.

The request comes as the disaster's death toll approaches 600 across Nepal and China's Tibet, with more than 2,400 people still reported missing.

Nepal Seeks Specialised Help

Khanal said Nepal had already requested foreign assistance in areas where the country lacks sufficient technical expertise and specialised equipment.

These include tunnel rescue operations, body identification, DNA testing and preservation of bodies for longer periods.

The minister stressed that seeking specialised technical support does not mean Nepal is unable to conduct its own rescue operations.

Nepali security forces and emergency teams continue to lead general search-and-rescue operations across the affected areas.

India China Asked For Bridges

Nepal has also approached India and China for Bailey bridges to restore transport connectivity in the disaster-hit region.

Around two dozen bridges were reportedly destroyed by the floods, leaving several affected areas difficult to access.

The loss of bridges has created significant challenges for rescue teams attempting to reach isolated communities, hydropower projects and other locations along the affected river valleys.

Restoring temporary crossings is therefore considered essential for moving rescue personnel, food, medicines and other emergency supplies.

Local Teams Lead Rescue

Earlier on Friday, Nepal's Foreign Ministry said the country could manage rescue operations independently for the time being and had declined broader foreign involvement.

Khanal said there was no contradiction between that position and the subsequent requests for specialised assistance.

Nepali teams, he explained, are continuing to handle general rescue work, while foreign technical expertise is being sought for tasks requiring capabilities that are not readily available within the country.

The approach allows Nepal to retain overall control of the emergency response while obtaining assistance in particularly difficult operations.

More Than 2,400 Missing

The humanitarian crisis remains severe.

Rescue teams in Nepal and China are searching for more than 2,400 people reported missing after water, ice, rocks and mud swept through villages and damaged infrastructure.

A total of 586 bodies have been recovered, according to the latest figures cited in the report. Some victims were also carried downstream into India.

Nepal's disaster authority has added 933 hydropower workers to its missing-person list. The list also includes trekkers and pilgrims travelling towards Tibet's Mount Kailash.

The number of missing people could change as rescue teams gain access to areas cut off by damaged roads and bridges.

Families Search For Relatives

The disaster has left families across Nepal waiting anxiously for information.

In Kathmandu, relatives have gathered at hospitals searching for missing family members. Photographs and names of people who remain unaccounted for have been displayed on posters.

The uncertainty has been particularly painful for families who have received no communication from relatives since the floods struck.

With communications damaged in several affected areas, establishing the whereabouts of missing people remains one of the biggest challenges for authorities.

Glacial Collapse Triggered Flood

The disaster was linked to a glacial collapse, according to the US Geological Survey.

The collapse released a huge torrent of ice, rock, mud and water into Himalayan river systems, producing devastating flash floods downstream.

The force of the flood destroyed homes, roads and bridges and severely damaged hydropower infrastructure.

The disaster has been described as Nepal's deadliest natural catastrophe since the 2015 earthquake.

The sudden nature of the flooding also left many communities with little time to evacuate.

New Water Threat Emerges

Rescue operations have been further complicated by the formation of large water bodies created by the massive accumulation of debris.

One such lake has posed a direct threat to rescue teams working in the affected region.

Nepali police reportedly ordered rescuers to move immediately to safer locations after receiving information that another water dam had burst on the Tibetan side.

The warning highlights the continuing danger facing emergency workers even after the initial floodwaters have receded.

What Happens Next

Nepal's immediate priority is to continue searching for missing people while restoring access to communities cut off by destroyed bridges and damaged roads.

Local rescue teams will remain responsible for general search-and-rescue operations, while specialised international assistance is expected to focus on tunnel rescues, infrastructure restoration, forensic identification and DNA testing.

The requests to India and China for Bailey bridges could also help reopen vital transport routes in the disaster-hit Himalayan region.

With hundreds dead, thousands missing and the possibility of further water surges, Nepal's rescue effort remains a race against time. The combination of domestic rescue capabilities and targeted foreign technical assistance could prove crucial as authorities move from immediate evacuation towards a broader recovery operation.

The death toll from the devastating Nepal-Tibet flash floods has risen to 586, while more than 2,400 people remain missing across the two sides of the Himalayan border. Rescue teams are continuing operations through thick mud and debris as authorities face the additional threat of rising water levels and unstable terrain.

The disaster was triggered by a glacial collapse, according to the US Geological Survey, which sent a huge torrent of ice, water and debris downstream. Nepal's disaster authorities had reported 579 deaths on Friday, while seven deaths were reported in Tibet by Chinese state media.

The catastrophe has become one of Nepal's deadliest natural disasters since the 2015 earthquake, with villages, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure badly affected.

Glacial Collapse Triggers Flood

The disaster began when a section of glacier collapsed in the Himalayan region, triggering a massive flow of ice, rocks, mud and water.

The torrent travelled downstream through river valleys, overwhelming settlements and infrastructure along the route.

The sudden nature of the event left residents and workers with little time to escape. In several locations, people were forced to seek shelter on rooftops, hillsides and inside hydropower tunnels as floodwaters swept through the valleys.

The debris carried by the flood has also created new hazards for rescue teams.

Fresh Flood Threat Emerges

Rescue operations have been complicated by the possibility of another surge of water.

Nepali police reportedly warned rescuers to immediately move to safer locations after receiving information that a water dam had burst again on the Tibetan side.

In Tibet's worst-hit Gyirong area, China temporarily suspended rescue operations because of concerns over another flood. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV later reported that water levels had fallen and rescue operations were able to proceed in an orderly manner.

The possibility of sudden flooding remains a major concern because rescue teams are working close to unstable river channels and debris-filled valleys.

Hydropower Workers Trapped

One of the most difficult rescue operations is underway at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project, where more than 100 people remained trapped inside a tunnel.

The Nepali Army located the trapped workers and began searching for an accessible entry point.

Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said two helicopters had been deployed, but reaching the tunnel was difficult because rescuers were struggling to identify the entrances.

Around 350 workers and residents had already been brought to safety from the site, while efforts continued to reach those still trapped.

Workers rescued from other hydropower projects in the Trishuli valley described how rapidly the flood struck.

Families Wait For News

The disaster has left families across Nepal desperately searching for missing relatives.

At hospitals and makeshift medical facilities in Kathmandu, relatives have gathered with photographs and names of missing people, hoping for information.

Nepal's disaster authority said 1,924 people, including 517 foreigners, remained out of contact in the country. The number represented a sharp increase from an earlier missing-person figure of 977.

The authorities have warned that the numbers could change as rescue teams reach areas that remain inaccessible.

Bodies Recovered In India

The disaster has also affected areas downstream in India.

Indian authorities have recovered seven bodies from rivers flowing from Nepal, with officials believing the victims may have been swept downstream by the floods.

The recovery of bodies in India highlights the scale and force of the floodwaters that travelled through the Himalayan river system.

Search operations along downstream stretches are expected to continue as authorities attempt to identify victims and establish whether more people may have been carried across the border.

Tibet Reports Deaths

The disaster has also caused significant casualties on the Chinese side of the border.

Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported seven deaths and 554 people missing in Tibet as of early Saturday.

Authorities said 555 stranded tourists and 499 Chinese residents had been evacuated from affected areas.

Information from Tibet has been comparatively limited because access for foreign journalists remains restricted, leaving Chinese official sources as the primary source of information about the situation there.

The disaster has nevertheless disrupted transport and rescue operations in the border region.

Pilgrims Among Missing

The floods have also affected pilgrims travelling towards Mount Kailash in Tibet, with devotees from several countries among those reported missing or stranded.

One group of pilgrims travelling by bus towards the Chinese border became trapped after what initially appeared to be a traffic jam.

Survivor Sivaranjani Muthunathan, 46, told AFP that fog and smoke suddenly appeared before a torrent of water and debris moved towards the vehicles.

Several vehicles were reportedly swept away or buried in mud. Members of the group eventually escaped through the driver's side and climbed towards higher ground.

The accounts from survivors provide an indication of how quickly conditions changed.

Rescue Efforts Continue

Nepalese security forces are continuing search-and-rescue operations across affected districts despite difficult weather and terrain.

The military has deployed helicopters alongside ground teams, while emergency workers are attempting to provide food, water and medical assistance to survivors.

The operation is being conducted under difficult circumstances because roads and bridges have been damaged, communications disrupted and river levels remain unpredictable.

China has also mobilised rescue teams in Tibet and evacuated stranded people from the affected region.

What Happens Next

The coming days will be critical as rescue teams continue searching for people trapped beneath debris or stranded in isolated locations.

The biggest immediate challenge is balancing the need to reach missing people with the danger posed by fresh rainfall, unstable slopes, debris-dammed water and rapidly rising rivers.

Nepal's disaster authorities are expected to continue updating casualty and missing-person figures as more areas become accessible.

With 586 bodies recovered and more than 2,400 people still missing across Nepal and Tibet, the scale of the Himalayan disaster remains uncertain. Rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors while authorities work to prevent a second wave of flooding from worsening an already devastating humanitarian crisis.