The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to at least 1,252, police said Thursday, as rescue teams searched for thousands of others still unaccounted for after last week’s disaster.
The floods of Aug. 26 after a glacier collapsed disastrously, sending torrents of water, ice, mud and debris through communities in central and northern Nepal. Entire villages were flooded and houses, bridges, roads and hydropower plants destroyed.
Nepal Police data on Thursday said 355 bodies had been recovered in Chitwan district, 218 in Nawalparasi East, 208 in Nawalparasi West and 177 in Nuwakot. The New Indian Express reported that 18 bodies recovered in India were also handed over to authorities in Nawalparasi West.
According to official statistics, more than 4,200 people are still missing. Rescue efforts have been focused on areas covered with heavy debris and a number of tunnels of hydro power projects where hundreds of workers are feared trapped.
The disaster has forced thousands from their homes and communities are struggling to get food, medicine and other necessities. Despite the difficult terrain and the potential for more rain, authorities and international rescue teams continue their work.
Floods have also hit neighboring Tibet, with at least 21 dead and hundreds still unaccounted for.
