Nepal and China Floods Leave 584 Dead, Approaching 2,500 Missing

On the 28th local time, the third day since large-scale floods struck the Himalayan mountainous region along the border between Nepal and China, the total death toll confirmed in both countries rose to 584, with the number of missing approaching 2,500.

Reuters and other outlets reported that Nepalese police stated 579 people have died as of today due to the massive floods that occurred in areas including Bagmati Province in the northern part of the country on the 26th.

On the same day, the death toll from a landslide linked to these floods in Gyirong County, Xigaze, in China's neighboring Tibet Autonomous Region increased from 3 to 5, bringing the current total death toll across both countries to 584.

As of the previous day, the total death toll stood at 362, but as bodies were continuously recovered in and around Bagmati Province in Nepal today, the number increased by more than 200.

In addition, the number of missing persons in Nepal has surged to 1,924.

Consequently, combined with the 558 missing persons identified in Tibet, the total number of missing stands at 2,482.

Among the missing, 511 are foreign nationals from some 30 countries, including India and the United States.

Nine South Koreans belonging to Korea South-East Power Co. and Doosan Enerbility, who were constructing a hydroelectric power plant in the region, remain out of contact.

Taking into account unofficial missing persons not yet included in the Nepalese government's tally, it is difficult to gauge the final scale of casualties from this catastrophic flood.

As casualties have sharply increased, several countries have offered assistance. However, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated today that while international financial aid is needed, it is declining help from other nations regarding search and rescue operations.

The local media outlet Kathmandu Post reported that countries including South Korea, India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh requested the Nepalese government to allow their search and rescue teams to participate in rescue efforts.

Lok Bahadur Chhetri, a spokesperson for Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "It is natural for (other countries) to offer help," while adding, "Our security agencies are carrying out search and rescue operations, and such assistance is not necessary at this time."

He further stated, "The Nepalese security forces have sufficient capability to carry out rescue operations," and added, "If professional help or knowledge is needed, we will request it then."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.