Nepal floods kill more than 620, leave over 2,400 missing as rescue efforts intensify

Nepal is facing a major humanitarian crisis after devastating floods swept through parts of the country, killing more than 620 people and leaving over 2,400 others missing, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors.

The disaster, which struck areas near the Nepal-China border, caused widespread destruction of homes, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Rescue operations have been complicated by damaged transport links and the threat of further flooding.

Authorities have deployed thousands of security personnel and emergency workers to affected communities, with helicopters being used to reach areas cut off by the floods. Hundreds of people have been rescued, while search teams continue efforts to locate those still missing.

The flooding has also left tens of thousands of people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. The International Red Cross has estimated that at least 93,000 people have been affected, with many communities facing shortages of shelter, food and other essential supplies.

The disaster has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including bridges and roads, making access to some of the worst-hit areas difficult. The destruction has also disrupted transport and other economic activities in the Himalayan region.

Nepal’s government has appealed for assistance as it confronts the enormous task of rescue, relief and reconstruction. International organisations and several countries have offered humanitarian support, while authorities continue to assess the scale of the damage.

The floods have also raised concerns about the vulnerability of Himalayan communities to extreme weather and glacial-related hazards. Reports indicate that an ice-and-rock avalanche or glacier-related collapse contributed to the catastrophic flooding, sending huge volumes of water and debris through river valleys.

With thousands still unaccounted for and some affected areas remaining difficult to reach, officials fear the death toll could rise further as rescue and recovery operations continue.