Nepal floods, landslides death toll rises to over 350, hundreds still missing

Kathmandu (Web Desk): Severe floods and landslides in the border regions of Nepal and Tibet have caused widespread destruction, leaving over 350 people dead while more than 15,00 others remain missing.

According to Nepal Police, the bodies of 64 victims have been recovered from low-lying areas of Chitwan, while 26 bodies were found in Nawalparasi East. Among those still missing are 28 police personnel.

Authorities said that 341 foreign nationals are also among the missing, with a large number believed to be Indian citizens. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, while officials fear that the death toll could rise further.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the entire country is deeply shocked by the tragedy. He added that around eight tonnes of relief supplies have already been delivered to the affected areas, while the United States, China, the European Union, and India have also announced assistance for the victims.

Initial reports had suggested that an earthquake was responsible for the disaster; however, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that no earthquake occurred in the region.

Experts said the disaster was likely caused by glacier collapse and massive flows of mud and rocks, which created conditions similar to those caused by an earthquake and triggered the devastating floods and landslides.