The number of people missing after devastating flash floods struck Nepal and parts of Tibet has risen sharply to 4,247, as rescue teams continue efforts to locate survivors and recover victims.
At least 903 people have been confirmed dead in Nepal, with the latest figures representing a significant increase from the 2,502 missing persons reported on Sunday.
Of those reported missing in Nepal, 3,655 are Nepali citizens, while 592 are foreign nationals.
The disaster, which struck the Nepal-China border region last Wednesday, has caused widespread destruction, sweeping away roads, bridges and other infrastructure and leaving thousands of people displaced.
Rescue operations have been particularly challenging at several hydropower facilities, where hundreds of workers are believed to be trapped inside tunnels following the floods.
Authorities are racing to reach the workers, with some tunnels filled with mud, debris and floodwater. Rescue teams are using specialised equipment and other methods to try to locate those who may still be alive.
Tibet also records deaths and missing persons
Across the border in China’s Tibet region, state media reports 16 deaths and 546 people missing following the same disaster.
The combined figures from Nepal and Tibet bring the reported death toll to at least 919, while nearly 4,800 people remain unaccounted for.
The floods have severely affected the Himalayan border region, with rescue efforts being hampered by damaged infrastructure, difficult terrain and continuing adverse weather conditions.
Authorities and international rescue teams are continuing operations as families wait for information about relatives still missing.
