Kathmandu (Rajeev Sharma): Nepal’s flood disaster has taken a devastating toll, with the number of confirmed deaths rising to 734 on Sunday as rescuers continue to recover bodies from areas hit by the massive flash floods.
Nearly 2,500 people are still reported missing, keeping search and rescue teams engaged across the affected region. Operations have entered their fifth day, with authorities working to reach isolated communities and locate those who remain unaccounted for.
Bodies have now been recovered from all eight districts affected by the disaster, officials said, while teams continue to search through damaged settlements and debris.
Avalanche-triggered floods wreak havoc
The disaster began on Wednesday after an ice-and-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border sent an enormous volume of water, mud and debris downstream.
The sudden surge caused extensive destruction across central Nepal, inundating settlements and sweeping away homes and other structures.
The flooding also inflicted severe damage on key infrastructure, including roads and bridges, while several hydropower facilities were damaged or destroyed.
Search teams race against time
The recovery effort has become increasingly urgent with thousands of people still missing.
Rescuers are combing through affected areas for survivors while simultaneously recovering bodies from locations cut off by floodwaters and debris. The destruction of roads and other infrastructure has complicated access to some areas.
Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the devastation as rescue operations move through the fifth day.
With recovery work still underway and large numbers of people unaccounted for, officials expect the casualty figures to remain subject to change as teams reach more affected locations.
