Nepal Floods: 675 bodies recovered as rescue operations continue

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 675, with authorities continuing an intensive search and rescue operation across the affected areas.

More than 2,400 people remain missing or out of contact, according to Nepalese authorities.

The bodies have been recovered from eight affected districts, including Chitwan, Nawalparasi East and West, Gorkha, Nuwakot, Dhading, Tanahun and Rasuwa.

Rescue teams are searching riverbanks, mud-covered valleys and damaged hydropower facilities for survivors and victims.

Authorities have deployed more than 18,700 security personnel for search, rescue and humanitarian operations.

More than 7,500 people have been rescued, while helicopters continue to evacuate survivors and deliver emergency supplies to isolated communities.

The catastrophic flooding was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border, sending huge volumes of water, mud and debris downstream.

The disaster destroyed homes, bridges, roads and hydropower infrastructure across central Nepal.

Meanwhile, Nepalese authorities are taking steps to identify unidentified victims. Prime Minister Balendra Shah said DNA samples and other identifying evidence would be preserved before unidentified bodies are buried or otherwise managed, while identified bodies are being returned to their families.

Rescue operations remain challenging because of damaged infrastructure, difficult terrain and adverse weather. Thousands of families are still waiting for information about missing relatives.