Kathmandu (Web Desk): The death toll in the devastating flash floods and landslides that struck areas along the Nepal-China border has reached 1,003, while rescue teams are continuing their search for thousands of people who remain missing.
Nepalese officials said on Tuesday that 987 people had lost their lives in flood and landslide incidents across the country. More than 3,900 people are still unaccounted for, among them five Japanese nationals.
In neighbouring China, state media reported 16 fatalities, while the number of missing people has exceeded 540. The figures from both countries take the overall death toll to 1,003.
Nepal has mobilised nearly 10,000 members of its military and police forces to assist with rescue operations in the worst-hit areas. However, the recovery effort is facing serious obstacles as roads and other infrastructure have suffered extensive damage, while rescuers lack sufficient heavy equipment to remove the debris.
Teams are also working to reach more than 900 people stranded at hydroelectric power facilities in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts.
Further rainfall remains a concern, with local meteorological authorities forecasting intermittent showers throughout the week. Officials have warned that continued rain could cause rivers to rise further and overflow their banks again.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Monday that nearly 65,000 people affected by the disaster require urgent access to clean water and hygiene services.
He further noted that around 2,600 children under the age of five are expected to require medical care, while approximately 10,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women need nutritional assistance.