The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal and Tibet has risen to 547, with 1,545 people still missing, as rescue teams search riverbanks and isolated settlements for survivors and bodies swept downstream.
Authorities have evacuated more than 800 people from affected districts and issued fresh warnings after a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck southwestern China, raising fears of further flooding. A newly formed barrier lake near the source of the Bhote Koshi river system and a reported breach of a water dam on the Tibet side has heightened concerns of another surge.
Residents in the Trishuli area were ordered to evacuate as river levels rose, while road construction between Trishuli and Rasuwa was suspended and heavy machinery withdrawn.
Residents have reported losing homes, shops and belongings as floodwaters swept through the Trishuli and Dhobi river areas. Rescue operations remain difficult because of rugged terrain and adverse weather.
