Nepal remained on high alert on Saturday as rescue operations continued after devastating flash floods and landslides struck the Nepal-China border region, leaving hundreds dead and thousands missing. The disaster has also created new glacial and landslide-dammed lakes, raising fears of another sudden flood in already devastated areas.

The latest reports put the combined death toll in Nepal and China's Tibet region at 633, including 626 deaths in Nepal and seven in Tibet. Nearly 3,000 people are still unaccounted for across the affected areas, although official figures continue to change as authorities receive new information and rescuers reach previously inaccessible locations. 

The disaster began on August 26 after a major collapse of ice, rock and debris in the Himalayan region triggered a powerful surge of water and mud. The resulting flash floods swept through parts of Nepal's Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts and severely damaged roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure. The flood also devastated the Gyirong border area on the Tibetan side.

New Lakes Add to Flood Risk

One of the biggest concerns for authorities is the formation of water bodies behind landslide debris. Officials and scientists are monitoring newly formed lakes near the disaster zone because a sudden breach could send another destructive surge downstream.

Rescue operations were temporarily affected by concerns over rising water levels, while authorities continued assessing whether the natural barriers holding back the lakes were stable. Experts have warned that loose rock and debris could make such barriers vulnerable, although the immediate risk remains under close observation. 

Thousands Remain Unaccounted For

The number of missing people has fluctuated sharply as Nepalese and Chinese authorities update their records. A Reuters-based report put the combined number of missing people at nearly 3,000, including hundreds of foreign nationals. The figures include people who were travelling, working or living in the affected border region when the disaster struck. 

Among those affected are Indian nationals, including pilgrims and workers who were travelling through the region. Authorities in India and Nepal have been coordinating efforts to locate and evacuate citizens caught in the disaster.

India Steps Up Relief Efforts

India has expanded its humanitarian and rescue assistance to Nepal. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued from flood-affected areas. India has also sent specialised medical and rescue personnel to assist the ongoing operations. 

Indian relief supplies have also reached Nepal as rescue teams work in difficult terrain. The assistance includes emergency supplies and specialised personnel needed for complex rescue operations, including work in areas affected by landslides and damaged infrastructure.

Roads and Bridges Severely Damaged

The floods have severely disrupted transport links across northern Nepal. Several roads and bridges have been destroyed or damaged, cutting off communities and making it difficult for rescue teams to reach isolated areas.

The destruction has also affected important routes connecting Nepal with Tibet. Rescue teams have had to rely on helicopters, boats, drones and difficult mountain routes to reach some of the worst-hit locations.

Rescue Operations Continue

More than 3,700 people have reportedly been rescued in Nepal, while emergency teams continue searching through mud, debris and damaged structures. Operations remain challenging because of bad weather, unstable terrain and the possibility of further flooding. 

In some locations, rescuers are also searching areas where workers and residents may still be trapped. Families of missing people have gathered at hospitals, relief centres and other locations while authorities continue efforts to establish the identities of those rescued or recovered.

International Assistance Arrives

The scale of the disaster has prompted assistance from several countries and international organisations. India, the United Nations, the Red Cross and other partners have provided humanitarian support as Nepal faces the enormous challenge of rescue, recovery and reconstruction.

The Nepalese government has also indicated that specialised international assistance could be important for difficult operations, including tunnel rescue, restoration of transport and communications networks, identification of victims and handling of recovered bodies. 

With thousands still missing and fresh flood risks being monitored, authorities remain focused on rescue operations while assessing the full scale of destruction caused by one of the region's most severe recent flood disasters.