Rescue operations resumed on Friday in parts of the Nepal-Tibet border region after teams were temporarily forced to halt their work because a newly formed lake began overflowing, raising fears of another devastating flood. The disaster, triggered by a glacial collapse and massive landslide, has already killed at least 469 people in Nepal, while more than 1,400 people remain missing across Nepal and Tibet.
The catastrophic flooding struck the Himalayan border region on Wednesday, sending huge volumes of water, mud and rock through valleys and settlements. The disaster caused widespread destruction in Nepal’s Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts and around the Gyirong border area of Tibet, destroying roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure. Rescue teams have been working through thick layers of mud and debris in an increasingly difficult search for survivors.
Rescue Work Interrupted by Rising Water
The search operation faced a fresh threat when a lake formed by debris from the landslide began overflowing. The lake was created when enormous quantities of mud and rock blocked a river upstream. Authorities feared that a sudden breach could send another powerful surge downstream, putting rescuers and already devastated communities at risk.
Rescue teams in the affected area were temporarily ordered to withdraw to safer locations as water levels increased. Chinese authorities also suspended operations on the Tibetan side as a precaution. Later, as the immediate overflow subsided and water levels showed signs of falling, rescue work was allowed to resume, although officials remained on high alert.
Death Toll Reaches 469
Nepal’s police authorities raised the confirmed death toll to 469 on Friday, up sharply from the previous day’s figures. More than 1,400 people are still reported missing, although officials have warned that the numbers could change as rescue teams reach areas that remain difficult to access.
The missing include hundreds of foreign nationals. Officials have reported missing citizens from countries including India, the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada. The region is an important route for tourists, trekkers and pilgrims, adding to the international concern surrounding the disaster.
Helicopters Used in Rescue Operations
Nepal’s security forces have deployed helicopters to reach stranded residents and people trapped in isolated areas. One major rescue effort has focused on the Trishuli 3A hydropower project, where more than 100 workers and other people were trapped inside a tunnel following the flooding.
Nepal Army personnel have already rescued hundreds of workers and local residents, while helicopters have been used to evacuate injured people and deliver emergency supplies to communities cut off by destroyed roads and bridges. Difficult terrain, continuing rainfall and unstable slopes are making ground operations particularly dangerous.
Infrastructure Devastated
The floods have severely damaged transportation links across the region. Roads and bridges were washed away or buried beneath debris, making it difficult for emergency teams to reach some of the worst-hit settlements.
Around 40 kilometres of roads have reportedly been destroyed, while numerous bridges have also been damaged. Entire sections of some towns and villages were buried under mud and debris, leaving residents dependent on helicopters and emergency teams for assistance.
Fresh Flood Threat Remains
Although rescue operations have resumed, authorities continue to monitor the newly formed lake closely. Chinese state media reported that water levels could rise again because of continuing rainfall, creating the possibility of another flood surge downstream.
Officials have urged people in vulnerable areas to move to safer, higher ground if necessary. The possibility of additional landslides, flooding and avalanches is adding another layer of danger for both residents and rescue workers.
International Relief Efforts
Humanitarian agencies have begun mobilising emergency assistance for people affected by the disaster. The United Nations has announced emergency funding for medical and relief operations, while the International Red Cross and other organisations are working to support displaced communities.
The immediate priorities remain finding survivors, evacuating people from high-risk areas, providing food and clean water, and delivering medical assistance to those injured or left homeless by the floods.
The Nepal-Tibet disaster has emerged as one of the Himalayan region’s most serious natural disasters in recent years. With hundreds dead and thousands still unaccounted for, rescue teams face a race against time while also dealing with the continuing threat of unstable mountains and rising water levels. Authorities remain focused on saving lives and preventing a second wave of flooding from causing further devastation.
