Kathmandu, Sept 3:
The death toll from devastating flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border has risen to 1,243, while 4,875 people remain missing, Nepal Police said, a week after the disaster struck parts of the Himalayan nation.
Rescue teams continued to search for survivors and recover bodies from areas along the Bhotekoshi River, including tunnels and underground power facilities where people are feared to be trapped.
The latest increase in casualties came after more bodies were recovered from eight flood-hit districts. Security forces have so far recovered 348 bodies in Chitwan, 218 in Nawalparasi East, 208 in Nawalparasi West and 155 in Nuwakot. Bodies were also recovered in Rasuwa, Gorkha, Dhading and Tanahun.
Of those reported missing, 583 are foreign nationals, according to authorities.
Security forces, including the Nepal Army, have rescued 11,993 people using helicopters and ground routes. Around 21,314 security personnel have been deployed for search and rescue operations.
The flash floods were triggered by snow and rock avalanches near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, devastating towns and villages across northern and central Nepal and leaving thousands missing.