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The death toll from devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border has risen to at least 359, with authorities warning of the possibility of another major disaster as a river blockage creates a rapidly filling lake.
Nepal Police said 359 people had died as of 5pm Thursday following Wednesday’s catastrophic floods, while more than 1,000 people remained missing in Nepal and neighbouring Tibet.
Three additional deaths have been reported on the Chinese side, bringing the overall toll to at least 362.
The disaster struck along a mountainous corridor connecting Kathmandu with Lhasa after a massive collapse of ice, rock and mud triggered a powerful flash flood.
Entire villages were inundated, while roads, bridges and other infrastructure were swept away.
Rescue teams, supported by helicopters, are searching debris-covered valleys and isolated settlements and delivering emergency supplies to people cut off by the destruction.
The large number of missing people includes foreign tourists and pilgrims from several countries.
Authorities are now particularly concerned about a newly formed lake upstream. Preliminary assessments indicate that flood debris has blocked part of the Bhotekoshi River, causing water to accumulate behind the blockage.
Officials fear that if the barrier fails, a second major flood could strike communities downstream.
The warning has prompted intensified monitoring and preparations for possible evacuations.
Rescue and relief operations remain difficult because damaged roads and bridges have cut off several affected areas.
The disaster has emerged as one of the deadliest flood events in the Himalayan region in recent years, with authorities continuing efforts to locate the missing and assess the full extent of the destruction.
